The Greek government is scrambling to meet its obligations regarding migrant flow restrictions so as to avert an exit from the Schengin Zone. For this reason, the refugee crisis has turned into a huge political matter with the opposition parties especially concerned regarding this issue, especially when bearing in mind the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) party’s ideological belief in ‘open borders’ that have resulted in an inadequate handling of migration in Greece.

With the situation having reached the razor’s edge, the government is scrambling to meet its obligations and overturn the tide of European public opinion against Greece’s handling of the refugee crisis. A meeting took place at Maximos Mansion, the government’s headquarters on Saturday with the participation of National Defence Minister Panos Kammenos, State Minister Alekos Flambouraris, Shipping and Island Policy Minister Theodoros Dritsas, Public Order Minister Nikos Toskas, Migrant Policy Minister Yiannis Mouzalas and European Affairs Minister Nikos Xydakis.

Following the meeting, it was announced that there would a speeding up of refugee centers and hotspots on Samos, Lesbos, Chios, Kos and Leros as well as the creation of two relocation centers in mainland Greece. To help increase the pace, the National Defence Ministry would help in the co-ordinative efforts of these centers and ensure the construction of the hotspots so they can be ready within two weeks. The army will also be called to man and operate mobile feeding units on five islands to serve refugees. Sindos and Schistos’ army bases, with an immediate capacity of 500 people and the ability to hold anouther 4,000 people each will be used as relocation camps.