Woman Killed in Arson Attack Targeting Greek Politician’s Family; PM Condemns Violence

A 72-year-old woman linked to Greece’s ruling New Democracy party died from severe burns sustained in a suspected arson attack on her daughter’s home in Thessaloniki, officials confirmed. Vagia Nestora, the mother of Afroditi Nestora—a party candidate—suffered 80% burns and multiple organ failure after an explosion and fire at the apartment building where her daughter lived. She died later Wednesday despite intensive care, the hospital said.

Three Separate Attacks in Thessaloniki

The incident occurred amid a series of coordinated attacks in the northern city, police reported. Three separate attacks involving petrol bombs and other improvised devices took place within minutes of each other in Thessaloniki in the early hours of Wednesday. The blast destroyed two cars, damaged several motorcycles and caused extensive damage to the building. The blasts occurred at 04:18, 04:23, and 04:35 on Wednesday, police said. No injuries were reported in two other attacks targeting the homes of Zisis Ioakeimovits, chairman of New Democracy’s Thessaloniki administrative committee, and former New Democracy MP Savvas Anastasiadis.

Vagia Nestora’s daughter, Afroditi, and her father, who has underlying health problems, were hospitalized with burns and smoke inhalation, while two other residents were treated for breathing difficulties. Police suspect the three attacks were carried out by the same perpetrators, whom they suspect travelled by motorcycle and placed the devices in quick succession.

Political Leaders Condemn the Violence

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis condemned the attack, calling it evidence of “the murderous and inhumane nature of political violence.” He urged a unified response to “banish terrorism to… the margins.” Mitsotakis also criticized those who “carry out such attacks under the guise of social struggle,” labeling them “nothing more than criminals, they will be treated as such.”

Greece’s opposition leader, Nikos Androulakis, demanded that those responsible be “arrested, brought to justice, and punished,” emphasizing that “in a democratic society governed by the rule of law, there can be no tolerance for criminal acts.” Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras also denounced the attack, stating that “terrorism has no place in a democracy.”

Investigation Underway

The Greek Counter-Terrorism Service has taken over the investigation, though no group has said it was behind the attacks. No arrests have been made.

What Happens Next?

With the investigation ongoing, the case raises questions about the broader threat of political violence in Greece.