Dimitris Koutsoumpas criticizes Greek government on firefighters and Lesvos crisis

Dimitris Koutsoumpas, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), has addressed two critical issues in Greece: firefighter shortages and the foot-and-mouth disease crisis on Lesvos.

During a meeting with the Panhellenic Federation of Private Law Firefighters, Koutsoumpas criticized the government for relying on contract workers rather than permanent staff. He highlighted growing shortages within the fire service and advocated for the permanent employment of all personnel, noting that workers are essential for year-round prevention, maintenance, and forest road access, not just during the fire season. He also called for addressing injustices regarding seasonal workers unable to rejoin the service due to age limits.

Regarding the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak on Lesvos, Koutsoumpas criticized a legislative amendment that shifts operational coordination to the Ministry of National Defence. The amendment would place veterinary services, regional authorities, and customs under the command of a military officer appointed by the Minister of National Defence. Koutsoumpas used sarcasm to question the necessity of military involvement in agricultural management, asking if the government intended to use Leopard tanks for disinfection and paratroopers to track livestock.