Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the Parliamentary session on Monday amid wildfires in Rhodes and other regions of the country by highlighting the issue of climate change.

The PM began his speech in the House of Representatives with an extensive reference to the fires that are burning Rhodes and other regions of the country, in the context of the debate on the bill on the voting of Greeks abroad.

In particular, Mitsotakis stressed that the State’s effort was recognised by everyone, including tourists, thousands of whom were rescued in the evacuations of settlements and hotels.

As the Prime Minister said, “Despite the onslaught of fire, no lives were lost, it proves that against the fury of nature, no measure will ever suffice. This summer finds us with constant heat waves, and strong winds, in Rhodes, we have had persistent winds exceeding 6 Beaufort for days. In Rhodes, after the 2nd day when the fire had shown some signs of subsiding, the fire made new fronts. Tens of thousands of people were transported in an organised and timely manner to safe places. We are grateful to the fire brigade, civil protection, armed forces, police, and volunteers for their self-denial. For the coming weeks, we must be on constant alert. We are at war, with fire,” the Prime Minister said.

Mitsitakis said “We are at war” referring to the fires raging in regions of the country, adding that tourism will be restored, adding that the government will take stock in due course about the results of the fires and measures to aid those affected by the disaster. He thanked all those who took part in the evacuation operations.