Full Breakdown
Firebomb Attacks Target New Democracy Residences in Thessaloniki
7/1/2026, 11:13:05 PM
Attack Overview
On the morning of 1 July 2026, three firebombs made from gas canisters were detonated outside residential buildings linked to Greece’s governing New Democracy party in Thessaloniki. Third explosion injured five people, including parliamentary candidate Afroditi Nestora and her mother; the earlier two attacks caused material damage.
Background & Context
Greece has a decades-long record of bomb and arson attacks on politicians, often attributed to left-wing or anarchist groups. Similar incidents include a gasoline-bomb at a prison-guards association president’s home in July 2025 and a police-officer-guarded judge’s residence in June 2024.
Key Figures & Groups
The attacks targeted three New Democracy affiliates: parliamentary candidate Afroditi Nestora, regional committee president Zisis Ioakeimovits, and former MP Savvas Anastasiadis. Party spokesman Pavlos Marinakis and political-committee secretary Konstantinos Kyranakis also responded publicly.
Data Summary
Five people were hospitalized, one in serious condition; the devices were improvised explosives built from camping-gas or butane canisters. The three blasts occurred within a 20-minute window before 5:00 a.m., igniting two cars and two motorcycles and damaging walls.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis condemned the attacks, calling them cowardly and terrorist, and announced a visit to Thessaloniki while pledging a zero-tolerance policy toward any new form of terrorism. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis described the incidents as murderous and said a crackdown would follow. Party secretary Konstantinos Kyranakis said the assaults were a terrorist act aimed at killing. The counter-terrorism unit has assumed the investigation and is examining possible coordination.
Criticism & Opposition
Left-wing opposition parties issued statements denouncing the firebombings, echoing the government’s condemnation and urging protection of democratic institutions.
On-the-Ground Reports
Afroditi Nestora suffered burns while trying to extinguish the blaze; her 70-year-old mother remains intubated. Nestora’s father and three residents received treatment for smoke inhalation. Surveillance footage near Anastasiadis’s apartment captured a figure placing a device, and Ioakeimovits reported a burning canister on his balcony.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No group claimed responsibility, and police have not identified the perpetrators. Reuters described the victims as “a parliamentary candidate and her mother,” while Euronews and BrusselsSignal named Nestora, Ioakeimovits and Anastasiadis. Coordination among the three blasts remains under investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “outrage and anger” — Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister
- “cowardly, terrorist and murderous attack” — Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister
- “send a perfectly clear and explicit message: zero tolerance for any new form of terrorism that might appear in our country” — Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister
What’s Next
The counter-terrorism unit will continue forensic analysis and video review to identify the assailants. Mitsotakis’s planned visit to Thessaloniki will include a public address and coordination with security services. Authorities indicated a forthcoming crackdown on similar violent acts.
