Following a recent shipwreck off Chios that claimed numerous lives, the New Left political party in Greece has issued a statement condemning the government's handling of maritime tragedies involving refugees and migrants. They emphasize that such incidents should not be viewed as isolated occurrences; rather, the repetition of these tragedies highlights failures in the government’s policies under Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Minister Plevris. The party accuses the government of prioritizing deterrence over the saving of lives, and suppression over the protection of human rights.

The New Left’s statement comes on the heels of another deadly shipwreck off the coast of Crete, wherein many lives were lost. They demand accountability from the government, urging leaders to stop framing these tragedies as mere accidents or the fault of people smugglers. They call for a reevaluation of the current policies that have led to such incidents and emphasize that these tragedies represent larger systemic issues that require urgent attention and reform.

Moreover, the New Left raises concerns about the lack of transparency from the Coast Guard following the tragic deaths, particularly involving children, in the Chios incident. They stress the necessity for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding these shipwrecks, reflecting a growing call for increased scrutiny of government practices in dealing with migration crises. This situation underscores the broader implications on human rights and the treatment of vulnerable populations in Greece, necessitating immediate action from political leadership to address these pressing concerns.