‘It is clear that the firefighters were not merely victims of a “bad moment”, but above all of a state that treats Civil Protection as a cost, systematically undermines public prevention and remembers to call firefighters “heroes” only when it is too late,’ the party said.

Mera25 noted that firefighters, their unions and seasonal colleagues have issued warnings for years about staff and aircraft shortages, understaffed services, ageing equipment, inadequate prevention, exhausting schedules and ‘a system based on self-sacrifice rather than planning’.

‘When they demanded permanent jobs, recruitment and substantial reinforcement of the Fire Service, the government responded with indifference, repression and beatings by riot police. Today, the same people who ignored their cries of anguish are delivering eulogies and talking about “heroes”,’ the party said.

‘But the political choice is theirs, and that of every recent government,’ it added.

Mera25 United Left’s full statement follows:

‘Mera25 United Left expresses its deep sorrow over the deaths of two firefighters in Rethymno and one in Gythio, who lost their lives fighting the flames. We extend our sincere condolences to their families and colleagues.

‘Our grief, however, does not stand alongside the crocodile tears of the government, the regional authorities, MPs or even the media, which have selectively remembered that these people risk their lives every summer.

‘It is clear that the firefighters were not merely victims of a “bad moment”, but above all of a state that treats Civil Protection as a cost, systematically undermines public prevention and remembers to call firefighters “heroes” only when it is too late.

‘Firefighters themselves, their unions and their seasonal colleagues have been warning for years about staff and aircraft shortages, understaffed services, ageing equipment, inadequate prevention, exhausting schedules and a system based on self-sacrifice rather than planning.

‘When they demanded permanent jobs, recruitment and substantial reinforcement of the Fire Service, the government responded with indifference, repression and beatings by riot police. Today, the same people who ignored their cries of anguish are delivering eulogies and talking about “heroes”.

‘But the political choice is theirs, and that of every recent government.

‘It is the same policy that claims there is “no room in the budget” to strengthen Civil Protection, hire permanent staff or fund forest protection and fire prevention. Yet the same government finds billions of euros for new arms programmes serving the geopolitical ambitions of Israel, the US and NATO, as well as the war economy.

‘It is the same government that continues to sell off public wealth to the oligarchy while public services responsible for protecting human life buckle under years of neglect.

‘Mera25 United Left demands:

‘The immediate and full staffing of the Fire Service with permanent personnel.

‘Permanent contracts for seasonal firefighters.

‘Decent working conditions for those who risk their lives every day.

‘A radical upgrade of Civil Protection, with an emphasis on prevention, forest protection, forest firefighting and modern equipment.

‘The redirection of public resources away from armaments and privileges for the oligarchy and towards society’s real needs.’

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