Greek Government Wins Vote to Protect Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The  Greek Parliament on Thursday rejected opposition appeals claiming unconstitutionality of a government amendment concerning the protection of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Greece’s most significant national monument.

Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis defended the measure, saying it aimed to uphold the dignity of a “supreme national symbol” that transcends political divisions. “The government’s institutional approach to the issue does not view the people as Right, Centre, or Left,” Floridis said, calling on parties to show unity “in these turbulent times of increased national risk.”

The minister said the initiative sought to “restore institutional self-evidence,” stressing that the monument embodies the memory of the nation. “It is the place where our nation honors its struggles,” Floridis said, insisting that the government was not restricting public gatherings but protecting the sanctity of the site.

He accused opposition parties of “legalistic arguments” devoid of any narrative about the monument’s national importance. Floridis also criticized PASOK for “abandoning its patriotic character” and aligning with the Left, while denouncing “ultranationalist parties” for adopting “nihilistic positions.”

Following his remarks, Parliament voted down—by show of hands—the constitutionality objections filed by PASOK, SYRIZA, New Left, and Plefsi Eleftherias (Course of Freedom). The opposition argued that the amendment violates the constitutional right to assemble by banning demonstrations in front of the monument, located in Syntagma Square.

PASOK MP Panagiotis Doudonis called the measure “a national embarrassment,” arguing it “violates the principle of proportionality” and presented photos of past rallies held in front of the monument. SYRIZA’s Dionysis Kalamatianos said the provision “criminalizes a constitutionally protected right,” while New Left’s Nasos Iliopoulos described it as “a ban on symbolic gatherings in front of Parliament — a bill of defeat, revenge, and fear.”

Zoe Konstantopoulou, leader of Plefsi Eleftherias, said her party was “defending the Constitution as the charter of democracy.”

Ruling New Democracy MP Notis Mitarachi countered that the amendment simply enforces existing limits on the right to assemble, citing a ruling by Greece’s Council of State.

Communist Party MP Nikos Karathanassopoulos condemned the measure as “a disgrace already condemned by public conscience,” while Greek Solution representative Stylianos Fotopoulos accused the government of “fearing the power of the many” and exploiting a national symbol to “serve the interests of the few.”