Speaking on Thursday morning’s (2 July 2026) Koinonia Ora Mega programme, Zoe Konstantopoulou — leader of the political movement Plissi Eleftherias (Course of Freedom) — addressed the recent arson attacks in Thessaloniki, which claimed the life of the mother of New Democracy MP Aphrodite Nestor. She also commented on the ongoing trial concerning the Tempe train disaster and on former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
‘Despicable’ Statement, Need for Provocation Probe
Konstantopoulou strongly criticised Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ previous day’s remarks on the fires, calling them “despicable”. She described the loss of human life — especially through such violent means — as tragic, but added that the circumstances surrounding the incidents struck her as highly suspicious.
“It is deeply troubling what happened, in my view,” she said, “and Mr. Mitsotakis’ statement is despicable. He stood next to Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis — who still promises to solve the Marfin Bank case. They have instrumentalised Marfin, trying to pin it on political opponents. They’ve weaponised every available narrative to portray themselves as victims of their rivals.”
She went on to accuse Mitsotakis of speaking as though he already knew the perpetrators — and as though the attacks were politically motivated by his opponents. “Let him tell us what he knows,” she urged. “Provocation is a key scenario that must be thoroughly examined. That said, this in no way diminishes our full and unwavering solidarity with those targeted by these attacks.”
Tsipras: ‘Political Fraudster and Criminal’
On Alexis Tsipras, Konstantopoulou was unequivocal: “He is not just a liar — he is a political fraudster and a criminal.” She referenced Tsipras’ controversial actions following the 2018 Mati wildfires, when — according to her — he held a televised meeting on the evening of 23 July, fully aware that dozens had already died (a number later revised to 120), yet feigned ignorance.
“It’s astonishing some think the public will swallow this,” she remarked. “People don’t forget — some just hope they do. While we campaign to promote our festival, Tsipras has been promoted non-stop since October — without even having a party or a published book. Mitsotakis clearly wants him as his opponent; he’s convenient, easy to beat. Tsipras paved the way for Mitsotakis’ rise — first through his own governance: electronic and non-electronic auctions, financial funds, repression, the murder of Zak Kostopoulos, the Mati disaster, and more.”
She cited further examples: the appointment of Tsipras’ wife as university professor via three photographic amendments to legislation, and his alleged manipulation of the official Mati investigation report — downgrading findings that amounted to criminal offences. “He served certain economic defendants who were under investigation,” she added.
Konstantopoulou concluded that Tsipras should face both a parliamentary inquiry and a pre-trial investigation over the Mati tragedy.