Athens Mayor to Sue Over Unknown Soldier Monument Cleaning

The Municipality of Athens, through a statement by Mayor Haris Doukas, announced that it will appeal to the courts regarding the cleaning of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. This move comes after the passage of an amendment transferring responsibility for maintenance and cleaning to the Ministry of National Defence, which may assign these services to private companies.

Haris Doukas responded to government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, who criticized the mayor for his stance on the Monument. Doukas, in a post, linked the issue to the struggle for justice for the victims of Tempi.

The Ministry of National Defence, in a statement, assured that it will not allow the degradation of the Monument and will take all necessary measures to maintain it. This followed a meeting between Nikos Dendias and Haris Doukas, with the subject being the coordination of actions for the care of the monument.

The Mayor of Athens argues that the amendment transfers the responsibility for cleaning to the Ministry of National Defence, while the Ministry counters that, according to Article 102 of the Constitution, the responsibility lies with the Municipality of Athens.

Haris Doukas stated that the Municipality of Athens will appeal to the competent courts, invoking Article 102 of the Constitution.