Digital Policy Minister Nikos Pappas admitted that mistakes were made in handling the recent, deadly fire, but underlined that the causes of the tragedy are very deep.
Pappas said that the weather conditions were unprecedented, with winds of 10 or 11 on the Beaufort wind force scale.
Addressing the issue of resignations and sackings of government officials, Pappas said that the government handled this issue responsibly.
He accused the opposition of attempting to exploit the tragedy politically.
Pappas also offered assurances of the government’s determination to raze illegal structures. He said that the labyrinthine bureaucracy cannot be an alibi, and that the issue will be handled in a mature manner.
‘The government has engaged in self-criticism’
Pappas said that the government has already criticised its own mistakes, as was its duty, and that the prime minister himself was the first to do this, in assuming political responsibility.
Pappas refused comment on the prospects of a cabinet reshuffle, noting that the PM has exclusive authority on that issue.
As for the post-memorandum era, which begins later this month, Pappas underlined that the bailout exit does not mean that difficult circumstances will end. However, he said that there will be a focus on improving the daily lives of citizens, and that the government intends to hand out a “social dividend” to those in need.
