The Greek government transfers control of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the Ministry of Defense

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Syntagma Square will come under direct control Ministry of Defense.

The Greek government announced the transfer Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the square Syntagma under direct control Ministry of Defense. The decision announced by the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakiswas a reaction to recent protests at the monument.

The reason was hunger strike by Panos Rutsithe father of one of the 57 victims of the train disaster in Tempi in 2023. His protest at the memorial caused widespread public outcry and received support even from opposition parties, turning the site of national memory into a symbol of political discontent with the investigation into the tragedy.

Mitsotakis: “The memorial is not a place for rallies”

The Prime Minister said that the government will prepare bill to transfer jurisdiction and maintenance of the monument to the Ministry of Defense. According to him, the goal is to preserve historical and symbolic purity a memorial that should remain a place of honor for fallen heroes and not an arena for political demonstrations.

In his public address, Mitsotakis emphasized: “Can a historical monument such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier be used for actions not related to its purpose? My answer is no.” He added that people are on duty near the monument every day. Efzonesembodying the memory and honor of the nation.

Limitations and possible consequences

The Prime Minister clarified that citizens have “thousands of other places” to express their views, rallies and actions, and that the character of the sacred place must be preserved. Now the monument will become a high-security zone, and any uncoordinated activity near it will be limited.

Although specific measures by the Ministry of Defense have not yet been announced, it is obvious that we are talking about strengthening security controls and a ban on non-commemorative events. This decision could radically change the traditional perception of Syntagma Square – the historical center of both protest and memory.

For decades, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier remained backdrop for protests and clashesespecially in times of economic crisis. Now the government is looking to turn it back into what it was meant to be – a place of silent respect for the fallen.

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