Paulos Marinakis, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson, delivered a clear and resolute message in an interview with Newsbomb on Sunday, 12 July 2026. Speaking about the fatal attack in Thessaloniki that claimed the life of Vagia Nestora, he stressed that the crime must not be forgotten — and affirmed that ‘justice will do its job.’
A Unified Stance on Human Life and Justice
Marinakis placed internal security, counter-terrorism efforts, and institutional respect at the forefront of his remarks. He opened his statement with a firm conviction: no political calculation or moral hierarchy should ever be applied to human life. ‘The “value” of the dead is not weighed,’ he said emphatically. ‘A person who has died is gone — and respect for them and their family is sacred.’
He explicitly rejected the politicisation of tragedy, warning against turning mourning into spectacle. ‘No courtroom theatrics, no political exploitation’ — this was his call for dignity over division.
Accountability and Reflection
Speaking at length about the Thessaloniki attack, Marinakis urged deep reflection from those who, in the past, downplayed or excused criminal acts and violent behaviour. ‘Those who once wielded wooden clubs and derailed wagons — who called us “murderers” after a tragic incident — we will never follow that path,’ he stated. ‘We will never label people “murderers” or “moral perpetrators” of a killing simply because they hold politically controversial views. But those who tolerated such behaviour must no longer descend from the clouds unaware.’
Unity in Mourning
Marinakis welcomed the joint presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and opposition leader Nikos Androulakis at the funeral — a moment he described as profoundly positive for Greek democracy. He also shared a personal note: ‘I happen to know the family more than just through politics. I know Aphrodite well — a person who came to give, asking for nothing in return. She is exactly the kind of person our society needs.’
Extending his reflection, he drew a stark parallel: ‘Imagine if the perpetrators arrested were from an extreme-right criminal group — which, to me, is no different. They are all criminals. They are all monsters. Anyone who seeks to kill or inflict violence belongs in the same category. And imagine if the mother of the deceased had been the mother of a left-wing politician. To me, it’s the same thing. Think about what would have happened — and who would have spoken up.’