Greek political leaders have issued unequivocal condemnations following the death of Vagia Nestora, mother of New Democracy official Afroditi Nestora, who succumbed to the severe injuries she sustained in an arson attack on the family’s apartment building in Thessaloniki.

The 72-year-old had been treated on a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit of Hippocrates Hospital, after suffering extensive burns and multiple organ failure. According to the hospital’s medical bulletin, she died at 6:50 p.m. on Wednesday, despite doctors’ efforts.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said her death confirmed the “murderous and inhumane nature of blind violence in public life”, stressing that there could be “zero tolerance” for bloodshed, extremism and division. He called for unity in the face of terrorism and said the government would continue to defend the rule of law, democracy and public safety.

Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis also used stark language, referring to the death of Vagia Nestora as a murder and saying the authorities had a “sacred duty” to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice. He expressed his support for Afroditi Nestora and her family.

Tasoulas: Vagia Nestora was the innocent victim of a murderous terrorist act

President of the Republic Constantine Tasoulas strongly condemned the arson attacks in Thessaloniki, describing them as a murderous act of terrorism.

“The arson attacks early this morning in Thessaloniki are not only violent and terrorist in nature. They are now also deadly and murderous,” he said in a statement.

“Vagia Nestora is the innocent and tragic victim of this new act of terrorism, which was clearly intended to claim more victims. The political nature of the targets of this triple criminal attack cannot go unnoticed.”

Tasoulas added that political and murderous violence must not be allowed to take lives, injure people, threaten citizens or cause destruction, nor should it be allowed to destabilise democratic political stability.

“I am confident that law enforcement and the judiciary will carry out their duties effectively and rigorously,” he said, extending his condolences to Afroditi Nestora, her family and the loved ones of the victim.

Mitsotakis: Zero tolerance for bloodshed and extremist division

In his statement, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the death of Vagia Nestora marked a tragic confirmation of the dangers posed by political violence.

“No one, anymore, can remain idle or limit themselves to hypocritical words of condemnation,” he said. “Zero tolerance for bloodshed and the polarisation of the extremes.”

He said the legitimacy of the state and the unity of society must push terrorism “to the margins”, adding that Greece would not return to the divisions of the past.

“Stability and normality are prerequisites for prosperity. And security, along with justice, are the pillars of democracy,” Mitsotakis said.

“My thoughts are with the victim’s family. With Afroditi, her father and her loved ones. But also with all the New Democracy officials who were struck so cowardly. Our pain will turn into strength and determination. And nothing will stop our country’s march forward.”

Marinakis: Vagia Nestora was murdered

Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said he was devastated by the news that Vagia Nestora had died from her injuries.

“We must, however, call a spade a spade: Vagia Nestora, Afroditi’s mother, was murdered,” he wrote in a post.

“It is the sacred duty of the authorities to track down the perpetrators of this crime, wherever they may be, and bring them to justice. In these tragic moments, we stand by Afroditi, her father and her family. Our sincere condolences.”

Androulakis: The perpetrators must be arrested and punished

PASOK–Movement for Change leader Nikos Androulakis expressed his grief over the death of the mother of New Democracy official Afroditi Nestora, calling for a full investigation.

“I express my anguish and deep sorrow over the loss of the mother of New Democracy official Afroditi Nestora,” he said.

“The murderers must be arrested, brought to justice and punished. In a democratic and law-abiding society, there can be no tolerance for criminal acts.”

SYRIZA: Political violence has no place in a democracy

SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance also expressed its condolences to Afroditi Nestora and her family, saying that human life is the highest value.

“Human life is the highest value, and its loss plunges us all into grief,” the party said. “We wish strength and courage to her family and loved ones.”

The party added that “any form of political violence is utterly reprehensible and has no place in a democratic society.”

Famellos: Violence, crime and terrorism have no place in democracy

SYRIZA president Socrates Famellos said the death of Vagia Nestora had caused shock and grief.

“I express my deep sorrow and sincere condolences to Afroditi Nestora and her loved ones on the loss of her mother,” he said.

Famellos called on the authorities to fully investigate the case and ensure that those responsible are held accountable before the courts.

“Violence, crime and terrorism have absolutely no place in a democracy that has a duty to protect human life,” he said.

Tsipras: Terrorism has no place in a democracy

Alexis Tsipras, president of the Greek Left Coalition, also condemned the attack, describing it as criminal and terrorist.

“The tragic loss of a human life due to a criminal arson attack shocks us all,” he said.

“I express my abhorrence at the loss of Vagia Nestora in the terrorist attack on her home. I extend my sincere condolences to her daughter, Afroditi, to her loved ones and to New Democracy.”

“Terrorism has no place in a democracy. Human life is the highest value, and defending it is a shared responsibility for all of us.”