Argos, Greece, March 25, 2025 — A tense exchange unfolded in front of cameras as Culture Minister Lina Mendoni confronted Alkistis Papadimitriou, head of the Antiquities of Argolis, during a visit to inspect Ministry of Culture projects in Argos and Nafplio. Mendoni, visibly frustrated by the poor condition of archaeological sites, did not hold back her criticism.
“Why haven’t you repaired it?” Mendoni demanded, pointing to the neglected state of the sites. Papadimitriou responded, “We haven’t repaired it because it costs 45,000.” The minister shot back sharply, “I beg you, you have taken millions! It’s unacceptable that this is happening in the heart of the city. Alkistis, be careful!”
The heated dialogue highlighted Mendoni’s irritation with the mismanagement of funds allocated to the region. Despite Papadimitriou’s attempts to explain, the minister remained unimpressed and issued a stern reprimand to those responsible for the upkeep of Argolida’s historic treasures. The encounter underscored ongoing tensions over the maintenance of Greece’s archaeological heritage.