Kikilias asserted that the clashes resulted from “provocations by a small group of supposedly outraged individuals,” whom he claimed represented “only a minority of the 2,500 seasonal firefighters.” The minister further stated that these protestors “knowingly caused a crisis” by entering the operational centre, where “we had two active fires at the time.” He clarified that the protestors did not access the ministry itself.

In response to the incidents, Kikilias told journalist Aris Portosalte, “They broke doors, smashed windows, forced their way into rooms, insulted colleagues, and filmed the whole time—with a specific aim in mind.” He added that union representatives urged them to stop, but “the protestors refused to leave for hours.”

The minister reiterated that “this was the purpose and goal: if that’s not provocation, what is?”

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