SYRIZA on Plaka explosion: inspections of tourist accommodation in old buildings
Six dead from building collapse in Plaka. SYRIZA demands transparent investigation and stricter inspections of tourist accommodation.
SYRIZA condemns institutional deficit in prevention following tragedy on Lysicrates Street
Six people were retrieved dead from the rubble of a building in Plaka, according to In.gr. SYRIZA, through a joint announcement by the Sectors of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Housing Policy and Tourism, expresses "deep sorrow" and offers condolences to the families of the victims.
"We express our gratitude to the firefighters, to the personnel of EMAK and to all the forces that took part in this difficult operation," the announcement states.
Unanswered letter from October 2025
A central point of the announcement is the revelation that the Plaka Residents' Movement had written to the competent authorities as early as 5 October 2025, highlighting dangers of emergency situations from gas leaks, electrical short circuits or other causes. The residents had also pointed out the difficulties of access and escape due to narrow streets, parked vehicles, mixed uses and the large presence of visitors. Simultaneously, they had called for a firefighting exercise to be conducted and for coordination among the competent bodies. According to SYRIZA, this letter went unanswered.
"This letter reveals a serious institutional deficit in prevention and preparedness," the party stresses, demanding that the government explain why there was no response, whether the risks were evaluated and why the requested firefighting exercise was not carried out.
Immediate inspections and transparent investigation
SYRIZA calls for "immediate and comprehensive inspections of the structural adequacy of neighbouring buildings", as well as "substantial support for residents and professionals" who are unable to return to their homes or businesses.
At the same time, the party demands "full and transparent investigation of the causes of the explosion", stressing that its findings must lead to "specific measures for prevention, inspection and safety".
Reconsideration of the framework for tourist accommodation
Regardless of the investigation's findings, SYRIZA emphasises that the tragedy on Lysicrates Street highlights the need for reconsideration of the safety and inspection framework for tourist accommodation — particularly in old buildings and densely built areas of the historic centre, where visitors, permanent residents and professional uses coexist.
"The government and the competent authorities are obliged to present data on the inspections that have been carried out, the specifications that are being applied, as well as whether, when and by which competent authority the specific accommodation was inspected," SYRIZA points out. The safety of visitors and residents, the announcement concludes, "must constitute a common and self-evident priority".
Source: In.gr