Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis has drawn criticism after congratulating emergency services for their handling of the deadly Limassol fire, stating that “if we exclude the two deaths, we had no other loss of life” during the disaster that forced the evacuation of 16 communities.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Hartsiotis praised state services for their response to the fatal blaze, emphasising what he described as positive outcomes despite the destruction of properties and loss of human lives. “Apart from the unfortunate incident of our two fellow citizens, whilst 16 villages were evacuated, we had absolutely no loss of life. This must be noted,” he stated.
Citizens have expressed outrage on social media platforms over his perceived insensitive remarks and apparent disregard for human life.
The minister argued that damage was limited “to the greatest possible extent” and that both military installations and the Agios Sylas industrial area were protected. He also noted that the Troodos forest was safeguarded through “superhuman efforts” by emergency responders.
“An investigative team is currently conducting inquiries using witness testimony to determine both the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the two deaths,” according to Hartsiotis.
The minister addressed evacuation procedures, citing resistance from many residents who refused to abandon their properties. When a journalist suggested that in 2025, people still expected church bells to warn them of danger, Harsiotis defended the government’s emergency response systems. “Because you use characteristic phrases, bells, to supposedly show that we are behind chronologically, I repeat that this government is proceeding decisively to implement the 112 system as soon as possible,” he said.
Regarding the European 112 emergency system, Hartsiotis stated it had been a pre-election commitment by the President. “The Fire Service has already signed the contract for the 112 system. The Police will proceed shortly in the next period and the remaining services will follow with the goal of bringing this entire component under the umbrella of 112 as soon as possible,” he explained.
The minister added that the absence of the 112 system did not prevent authorities from using “bells and as many bells as needed to save human lives.” He added, “Everything humanly possible was done to save human lives, and I believe that from the result, at least a thank you should be given by you and the media for this fact.”
When questioned about looting in abandoned buildings, he confirmed that police had immediately launched operations within the constraints permitted by the emergency situation.
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