Protest organisers have described their mobilisation as a peaceful demand for fair employment terms and respect from the Mitsotakis administration. A statement by the Seasonal Firefighters group read: “For five years we have been on the front lines, and yet we face uncertainty each year. They fooled us, but we stand here together for what we rightfully deserve—for us, for the citizens, and for our country.”

Seasonal and permanent firefighters, including those in specialised units such as EMODE, are expected to arrive in large numbers. Their message to the Ministry is clear: “We need year-round employment in the Fire Service. Every October, we are left without work while the country’s forest and civil protection needs remain high.” Demonstrators travelled from across Greece—via buses, planes, and even ships—to participate.

This is the second protest of its kind in recent years. In November 2021, following devastating wildfires in northern Evia, protesting firefighters were met with tear gas and flash-bangs from riot police.

A poignant reminder of the toll this work can take on lives comes with the absence of their colleague, Andreas Andreadis. The 34-year-old firefighter tragically died in a car accident on Thassos in August after working 34 hours straight with only a brief rest. Andreadis leaves behind a 13-year-old son. Overwork remains a critical issue, with firefighters citing “the shortage of hands” as a driver of extreme fatigue on duty.

Their call is now for respect, recognition, and the swift fulfilment of staffing vacancies that compromise public safety and firefighter welfare. “We will prevail, because justice always prevails in the end,” their statement concludes.

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