The extent of forest fires follows a specific cycle that is identical to the political one. At election time, when politicians are most vulnerable to pressure due to the need to secure votes, the incidence of arson rises sharply.

The same happens each time a window of opportunity is opened for land-grabbers, that is, whenever governments discuss the legalization of homes illegally constructed in forests, or the reform of the legislative framework in place to protect them.

The European Parliament resolution on Article 24 of Greece’s Constitution serves to remind each Greek government of what should be obvious. Namely, that any imprudent discussion about forests simply encourages land-grabbers and arsonists, giving them the green light to usurp and destroy our national wealth.

This warning takes on special significance following the recent inferno which devastated the country. Political responsibility is a shield against tragedies such as the one we recently suffered.