Tragedy in Thessaloniki: Politician’s Mother Dies After Series of Arson Attacks

Sun Sep 06 2026 04:18:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 72-year-old mother of a New Democracy candidate in Thessaloniki died after severe burns from a series of arson attacks, sparking fears of political violence.

In early July, a series of arson attacks in Thessaloniki targeted homes of New Democracy officials. Vagia Nestora, 72, the mother of party candidate Afroditi, suffered extensive burns and died. The strikes also injured her daughter and damaged vehicles. Prime Minister Mitsotakis condemned the violence, calling for united action against terrorism.

In early July, a string of firebomb attacks rattled the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, striking the homes of several New Democracy officials.

Vagia Nestora, aged 72 and mother of party candidate Afroditi, was hit by a petrol bomb in the apartment where her daughter lives. She suffered severe burns covering about 80% of her body and later died of multiple organ failure despite intensive care.

Afroditi Nestora herself was burned and inhaled smoke, while two other residents – the father of the candidate, a person with underlying health conditions, and two additional bystanders – were admitted for breathing difficulties. The attacks also destroyed two cars and damaged several motorcycles.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis condemned the killings, describing the violence as murderous and inhumane and demanding the perpetrators be treated as criminals. Opposition leader Nikos Androulakis and former prime minister Alexis Tsipras echoed the call for justice, warning that terrorism has no place in a democracy.

Police say that the three explosions happened in rapid succession – 04:18, 04:23 and 04:35 – and that the same motorcycle riders likely carried out the attacks. Greece’s Counter‑Terrorism Service has taken over the investigation, but no arrests have yet been made and no group has claimed responsibility.