The mother of Afroditi Nestora, a lawyer and New Democracy parliamentary candidate in Thessaloniki’s A electoral district, has died after being critically injured in an arson attack on the apartment building where Nestora lived.

The attack was the most serious of three incidents carried out in the early hours of Wednesday against homes connected to ruling-party figures in the northern Greek city. According to initial reports, improvised incendiary devices were used, setting parked vehicles alight and causing flames and heavy smoke to spread through the building’s entrance area.

Nestora, her parents and two other residents were taken to hospital after the incident. Her mother had been intubated in intensive care in critical condition.

“The tragic death of Vagia Nestora confirms the murderous and inhumane nature of blind violence in public life,” said Kyriakos Mitsotakis, shortly after statement from the Hippocrates Hospital that the 72-year-old mother of New Democracy politician had died.

“No one can remain idle or limit themselves to hypocritical words of condemnation any longer,” the Prime Minister noted, emphasising: “Zero tolerance for bloodshed and the division caused by extremists! The legitimacy of the State and the unity of society must now banish terrorism to where it belongs: to the margins! And may the light of the many dispel the darkness of the few.”

Statement by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis

“The tragic death of Vagia Nestora serves to confirm the murderous and inhuman nature of blind violence in public life. No one can remain idle or limit themselves to hypocritical words of condemnation any longer. Zero tolerance for bloodshed and the polarization of extremes! The legitimacy of the State and the unity of society must now banish terrorism to where it belongs: to the margins! And may the light of the many dispel the darkness of the few.

Greece has painstakingly achieved its economic rebirth from bankruptcy. And with great pain, it has managed to overcome the divisions of the past. It will never go back. Facing them, then, it is time to build a bulwark of maturity and determination. With the government at the forefront of this battle. Because stability and order are prerequisites for prosperity. And security, along with justice, are the pillars of democracy.

My thoughts are with the victim’s family—with Aphrodite, her father, and her loved ones. But also to all the New Democracy officials who were attacked in such a cowardly way. Our pain will inspire more strength and determination. And nothing will stop our country’s march forward.”

Earlier, from the Hippocrates Hospital, where he visited the injured New Democracy officials and their families, Kyriakos Mitsotakis had sent a message of zero tolerance toward violence and assured that the perpetrators of the murderous attack would be brought to justice.   

“Violence has no place in an organized society. Those who cloak themselves in the guise of social struggles to carry out such acts are nothing more than criminals. They will be treated as such. I have absolute confidence in the Greek Police and the judicial authorities. We will find those who committed this despicable act and bring them to justice so that they are held fully accountable,” he underlined.