Tsipras takes the "political responsibility" of forest fires

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Friday "take full political responsibility" for the deadly forest fires in his country. At a meeting with his ministers, he said that he had doubts about the actions of the Greek authorities when the fires broke out. The flames killed 87 people last week.

Tsipras's statements follow a three-day mourning period in Greece. During those days, the Prime Minister did not appear publicly, reports AFP. He said Friday was overwhelmed by "mixed feelings."

"I feel pain for lives that are lost so unexpectedly and unfairly, but I also feel harassment about whether we have responded well."

Burned like mice

Tsipras responds strong criticism of the opposition party Nea Dimokratia. According to the party, the government took too little responsibility for action during the fires. The authorities would not have done enough to protect the Greek population and their property.

Residents of the affected area also spoke critically. They wonder, among other things, why there is no scenario to deal with this type of disaster. There would also be no proper evacuation plan. One of the survivors of the ruined village fire of Mati said in a TV show:

"They let us burn like mice. And no one came to us. to excuse or announce his resignation, no one. "