Cocaine consumption in Attica has nearly doubled during the Christmas season, according to wastewater analysis. Professor Nikos Thomaidis revealed that daily use jumps from one kilogram to almost two kilograms as the holidays approach, highlighting a concerning trend of increased drug abuse during festive periods.
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Merry Christmas from the entire team at Greek City Times to you and your family.
A village in Evia is reeling after two brothers confessed to killing their 65-year-old father in the family home in Andronianous. The crime came to light when the elder brother called police, initially claiming the father had died. Following interrogation, the brothers admitted to suffocating him with a pillow. Authorities are investigating the incident, which reportedly stemmed from years of family tension.
Greece is rolling out a comprehensive National Strategy to protect minors from internet addiction, with measures including a parental control platform, age authentication tools, and new legislation in collaboration with European partners. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasised the importance of parental involvement and proposed setting the "digital adulthood" age at 15. The initiative aims to create a safer online environment for children and address the challenges of excessive social media use.
A shooting incident in Glyfada on Monday morning has left two people dead and one critically injured. The violent event occurred at the intersection of Lefkosia and Mikras Asia streets. Police are currently at the scene investigating the circumstances, while details about the motive remain unclear.
Greece has assumed naval command of the EU’s Operation ASPIDES, a joint EU-NATO mission in the Red Sea aimed at protecting commercial vessels amid rising security threats. The formal handover ceremony in Djibouti saw Greece’s Defense Minister Nikos Dendias underscore the mission’s significance, highlighting Greece’s commitment to maritime security and international law. Captain Konstantinos Pitykakis of the Hellenic Navy accepted the command on behalf of Greece, taking the lead in ensuring safe passage in this strategic waterway.
Greece is seeing a rise in juvenile delinquency, with 3,500 minors facing court cases, mostly for property and drug-related crimes. Experts warn of new forms of youth violence driven by social values, internet exposure, and peer dynamics. While serious offenses are increasing, the justice system focuses on rehabilitation over punishment. Concerns about drug use and rising suicidal ideation among minors are prompting calls for better mental health support.
Greece implemented new quiet hours on October 1st for the winter season, prohibiting noise-generating activities from 15:30 to 17:30 and 22:00 to 07:30. Violators of these regulations could face up to five months in prison, as the new Penal Code classifies disturbing the peace as an offense. Exceptions for emergency work may be granted with police authorization.
Two friends, aged 35 and 40, tragically lost their lives battling a massive wildfire near Xylokastro, Corinth, Greece. The men, volunteering to help a friend threatened by the flames, became trapped by the rapidly spreading inferno. Leaving behind young families, the heroes are remembered for their selflessness as firefighters continue to struggle against the blaze.
The death of a 37-year-old Pakistani migrant, Muhammad Kamran Ashiq, while in police custody has sparked outrage and calls for justice, prompting the Greek Ministry of Citizens’ Protection to order an independent investigation
A recent analysis shows 60% of Greek bar and hair salon owners are reporting financial losses, with average monthly incomes of €1,154 and €358, respectively. In contrast, plumbers, dentists, and taxi drivers reported better financial results, with higher profit rates. The new presumed income taxation system aims to address these financial discrepancies among freelancers.
Prominent criminal lawyer Apostolos Lytras has been released from prison after the court reclassified the charge against him from a felony to a misdemeanor. Imprisoned for three months following the brutal assault of his wife, Sophia Polyzogopoulou, Lytras was granted parole under strict conditions. These include a prohibition on approaching his wife and restrictions on communication, except regarding their minor child, and mandatory participation in a counseling program.
In Vienna, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that Greece can't offer better social protection to refugees than it does to Greek citizens. He called for fair EU support and stressed that migration decisions should be made by member states, not traffickers.
Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis announced free afternoon surgeries for 37,000 citizens awaiting operations for over four months. Funded by €51 million from the EU Recovery Fund, the program aims to help those unable to afford surgery. Georgiadis dismissed criticism of the health system as politically driven.
Greece has secured the second spot worldwide in electricity production from photovoltaics, generating 19% of its electricity from solar power in 2023, according to the Ember report. It ranks fourth globally for per capita solar energy production and has reduced CO2 emissions by 57% since 2007, underscoring its commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.
The Municipality of Athens has launched an initiative to distribute school supplies to children from families facing financial difficulties. Through the Reception and Solidarity Centre (KYADA), the program aims to ensure that 1,770 primary and secondary school students start the new school year equipped with essential items. Mayor Haris Doukas emphasized the importance of solidarity, inviting citizens to contribute by donating school supplies to support the city's vulnerable children.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis took to TikTok to share a lighthearted video outlining 10 key changes in Greek schools for the new academic year. These include more permanent teaching staff, new interactive whiteboards, a digital tutorial program, and a mobile phone ban during school hours.
Flash floods hit central Athens as storm Atena swept across Greece, turning streets into rivers and causing chaos in multiple neighborhoods. Heavy rainfall impacted areas like Chaidari, Petroupoli, and Kypseli, with the fire department receiving over 50 emergency calls for water pumping, tree removals, and elevator rescues. Passengers were trapped in a flooded bus in Galatsi, and a severe weather warning was issued for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
Danis Katranidis, the acclaimed actor and director, has passed away at the age of 75. Known for his distinguished career in theatre, Katranidis made significant contributions to Greek drama and revitalized the Honey Theatre, renaming it the City Theatre. His death was announced by Spyros Bibilas, and tributes have poured in from the cultural community, including a statement from Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni.
Greek tourism revenue soared by 12.2% in the first half of 2024, reaching €6.921 billion, according to the Bank of Greece. Driven by a 15.5% increase in inbound tourists, the rise in receipts was led by Germany, the UK, and the US. Notably, June alone saw a 7.7% revenue increase, with British tourists contributing significantly. However, average spending per trip fell, and receipts from Russia experienced a dramatic decline.