Mother of Greek Politician Dies After Arson Attack

The mother of a politician from Greece's ruling New Democracy party has died from injuries sustained in one of several suspected arson attacks targeting party officials in Thessaloniki. Vagia Nestora, 72, died in a hospital after suffering extensive burns and multiple organ failure, according to hospital officials.

Nestora was injured in an explosion and fire that erupted at the apartment building where her daughter, Afroditi Nestora, a party candidate, resides. Three separate incidents involving petrol bombs and improvised devices occurred within minutes of each other in the early hours of Wednesday.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the hospital and stated that "violence has no place in an organised society." He pledged that those responsible would be apprehended and brought to justice. Before Nestora's death, Mitsotakis described perpetrators acting under the guise of social struggle as "nothing more than criminals."

Hospital officials reported that Vagia Nestora was admitted in critical condition with burns covering approximately 80% of her body. She died despite receiving intensive care treatment. Her daughter, Afroditi Nestora, also suffered burns and smoke inhalation and remains hospitalized. The father of Afroditi Nestora, who has pre-existing health conditions, and two other residents were admitted for breathing difficulties.

Police indicated that improvised incendiary devices placed outside the apartment building triggered the explosion and fire. The blast destroyed two vehicles, damaged several motorcycles, and caused significant damage to the building. Similar attacks targeted the homes of Zisis Ioakeimovits, chairman of New Democracy's Thessaloniki administrative committee, and former New Democracy MP Savvas Anastasiadis. No injuries were reported in these other incidents.

The attacks reportedly occurred between 4:18 a.m. and 4:35 a.m. on Wednesday. The Counter-Terrorism Service has assumed control of the investigation and is assessing whether the attacks were coordinated. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage, and no arrests have been announced. No group has claimed responsibility for the incidents.