Greek opposition leader warns of floods after fires, criticizes government

Kyriakos Velopoulos, president of the Greek Solution party, sharply criticized the government's response to wildfires, disaster prevention, and economic policy in a televised interview. He argued that the state has not invested enough in prevention, warning that the "worst is yet to come" with potential floods in September and October following the fires.

Velopoulos accused successive governments of failing to implement necessary preventative measures. He highlighted deficiencies in the state's wildfire response planning, emphasizing that prevention should be the top priority. Citing the Goldammer report, prepared after the deadly Mati fires, he claimed its recommendations remain unfulfilled.

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The worst is yet to come. From September and October, when the rains start, we will have the same problems with floods again.

"Everyone talks about the result. The problem is to anticipate the fire. Prevention is the most important thing," Velopoulos stated. He also criticized the slow progress in burying power cables, noting that only 2% have been undergrounded despite funds from the Recovery Fund and claims that 55% of fires stem from overhead lines. He also decried the abolition of forest rangers and the lack of cleared firebreaks, calling the state "chaotic."

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Everyone talks about the result. The problem is to anticipate the fire. Prevention is the most important thing.

The opposition leader also questioned the management of aerial firefighting resources, criticizing the millions spent on helicopter leases as a "kickback of a kickback." He expressed shame over the loss of human lives, questioning the organization and efficiency of the firefighting efforts. Velopoulos also called for greater support for firefighters working on the front lines.

Politically, Velopoulos positioned the Greek Solution as a stable force, predicting a leading role in future elections and stating, "The Greek Solution will govern." He dismissed scenarios of cooperation with other parties.

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The Greek Solution will govern. The Greek people will understand that a different political proposal is needed.