Greek Politician’s Mother Dies After Arson Attacks on New Democracy Homes

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:22:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 72‑year‑old mother of a New Democracy candidate was killed by severe burns following a wave of arson attacks in Thessaloniki.

Vagia Nestora, mother of New Democracy candidate Afroditi Nestora, died from multiple organ failure after an arson blast that swept through her apartment building. Three incendiary attacks—carried out by the same perpetrators using petrol bombs—hit the residences of New Democracy officials almost simultaneously in the early morning of July 1. Prime Minister Mitsotakis condemned the violence, while police have called the incidents terrorism and the investigation is now under the Counter‑Terrorism Service. No arrests have been made and the attacks have left several residents injured.

Greek Politician’s Mother Dies After Arson Attacks on New Democracy Homes

Vagia Nestora, 72, suffered extensive burns covering around 80 % of her body and later died from multiple organ failure after a series of suspected arson attacks on New Democracy party officials in Thessaloniki.

The attacks occurred in the early hours of July 1, with three separate explosive incidents using petrol bombs and improvised devices detonating within minutes of each other. The first strike was at 04:18, followed by blows at 04:23 and 04:35.

Police say the devices were placed outside the apartment building where Vagia Nestora’s daughter, party candidate Afroditi Nestora, lives. The blast destroyed two cars, damaged several motorcycles and caused severe damage to the building, although the two other attacks on the homes of New Democracy chairman Zisis Ioakeimovits and former MP Savvas Anastasiadis caused no injuries.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis condemned the attacks as “murderous and inhumane” and urged a united response to banish terrorism. He reiterated that those who use crime under the guise of social struggle will be treated as criminals. Opposition Leader Nikos Androulakis called for the perpetrators to be arrested, brought to justice and punished, adding that a democratic society cannot tolerate criminal acts. Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras likewise condemned the violence as having no place in a democracy.

Greece’s Counter‑Terrorism Service has taken over the investigation, but no arrests have been made and no group has claimed responsibility.