Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras visited the fire-stricken resort of Mati for the first time on Monday, a week after the inferno claimed at least 91 lives.
The premier, who arrived without a prior announcement by his office and without the presence of members of the press, spoke to residents and to emergency service crews that are still searching for the missing.
The prime minister spoke with local residents, fire men, soldiers and was briefed on the current situation by the deputy chief of the fire brigade, as well as infrastructure ministry civil engineers that are currently on the scene.
In a tweet about his visit, Tsipras expressed his “unspeakable sorrow” after visiting the site of the tragedy.
“I spoke with citizens, civil engineers, soldiers, firemen and volunteers. Unspeakable sorrow but also immense respect for those that fought an unequal battle with the flames and are now fighting the battle for restoration,” he said.
Tsipras and his SYRIZA-led government have been accused of insensitivity following the disaster. Instead of apologizing for this unprecedented tragedy, it was actually wagging a critical finger at the victims.
Some ministers, including defense minister Panos Kammenos, have been blaming the victims for building illegal homes that have contributed to the disaster.
Although Tsipras accepted political responsibility for the calamity, there have been no consequences for his government thus far. Experts in constitutional law say that when a prime minister accepts responsibility he should resign.
Critics also point out that the disastrous wildfire in east Attica showed that the government failed miserably to deal with major crises, including last November’s deadly flood in Mandra in western Attica.
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