The Minister for Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, announced a ban on holding concerts in Exarchia, citing the extensive unrest that broke out in the area in the early hours of Sunday.

“No one will go unpunished,” he said on Parapolitika radio, adding that, for obvious reasons, “concerts are prohibited in Exarchia.” “There are a few small squats that have popped up in recent weeks. The police no longer allow these to exist indefinitely like in the past, because they essentially act as hubs of lawlessness. The buildings are being cleared to be returned to their owners. This isn’t about making headlines—it’s just a message that, after a very long time, the incidents in Exarchia must stop. Exarchia has taken on a different character, the situation is improving day by day, and the message is: such events will no longer be permitted, regardless of who gives permission or not. Events like these will no longer be allowed in Exarchia, on Strefi Hill, or anywhere else, because right now, Exarchia is undergoing a kind of groundbreaking development and transformation—very positive, very welcome,” said Chrysochoidis, adding that “there’s no reason to hold concerts in such a densely populated neighborhood, which is basically being used by some as a springboard for violence. There’s no justification for two or three thousand people to gather there and hold events, for example, about Gaza or anything else. Let them go elsewhere. It’s a crowded area—we can’t keep burdening neighborhoods that are already under heavy strain.”

“So, will concerts be banned in Exarchia?” he was asked, to which he replied:
“Also for reasons of public order. In any case, there’s a plan for Exarchia. That plan was violated the other day when police forces came under attack, and the area was essentially assaulted by certain violent individuals who had prepared an assault using dozens of Molotov cocktails, which led to destruction.”

Reactions from SYRIZA and the KKE

SYRIZA, in a statement responding to Chrysochoidis’ remarks, accused the government of “trying to distract public opinion from the profiteering of cartels and the cover-up of the Tempi crime.”

“The minister’s announcement of banning concerts in Exarchia is just the latest addition to a menu of recycled scenarios from the past,” the SYRIZA-PS statement said. “This provocation is reminiscent of practices rooted in the darkest chapters of the country’s history. Furthermore, this move, aside from serving the interests of big players in real estate, also aims to artificially manufacture tension. Mr. Chrysochoidis shouldn’t even think about enforcing any kind of ban in any neighborhood. Cities belong to their residents. Cultural activity is part of a neighborhood’s identity and its lifeblood. It strengthens social cohesion, inclusion, and the creation of networks among residents and local organizations. The plans of a government on its way out will remain just that—plans on paper.”

The KKE, for its part, stated that the “government is turning a neighborhood of Athens into a ‘no-go zone’ for culture,” while “at the same time, flinging the doors wide open for real estate and tourism developers.”

In detail, the KKE’s announcement read:
“The government is turning a neighborhood of Athens into a ‘no-go zone’ for culture, collective action, the expression of solidarity with oppressed peoples, and of course for the rights and quality of life of its residents. At the same time, it’s opening the door wide for real estate and tourism tycoons. This is the kind of ‘development’ that Mr. Chrysochoidis is promoting, which, as is evident, has nothing at all to do with the actual needs of the people living in the area.”