Greece’s political parties have spoken out against the bomb that exploded outside the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEB) in Athens on Tuesday morning.
The SEV building is also located very close to the Greek Parliament on Syntagma Square, just two streets away. Although there were no injuries, the bomb has caused extensive damage to Xenofotnos Street on which SEV is located, primarily shattered windows and destruction of the road.
The Cypriot Embassy, which is located across the street from SEB’s offices, suffered extensive damages as well and has remained closed for the day. Cypriot Ambassador to Greece Kyriakos Kenevezos told the Athens Macedonian News Agency that the most important thing is that there were no injuries.
A hotel that is across the street from SEV’s office also incurred external damages. Kathimerini newspaper reports that Greek police officials claim the bomb was of mild power but the effect was strong because of the narrow surroundings.
No one has assumed responsibility for the attack thus far.
Greece’s government and the country’s political parties have reacted to the attack with condemnation and call for action from the authorities.
Greek government spokesperson Olga Gerovasili condemned the attack and added that all political sides should condemn it as well.
Junior coalition partners Independent Greeks (ANEL) called for unity among those who believe in democracy and freedom against terrorism, after condemning the bomb.
New Democracy, the party leading the political opposition, also condemned the attack, further noting that it also harms the country’s image during these testing times and called on the government to intensify its efforts in finding the culprits.
The government’s priority must be the security of Greece’s citizens, the PASOK party claimed, after condemning the attack.
The Potami party also condemned the bombing and urged authorities to find the perpetrators and the government to establish stability in the country.
Tuesday’s bombing also garnered the attention of various international media outlets.
Reuters notes that this is the first bombing since Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras took power in January 2015 and comments on Greece’s history with political violence.
“Attacks against banks, politicians and business people are not uncommon in Greece, which has a long history of political violence and has been mired in its worst economic crisis in decades,” the report reads.
On the other hand the Associated Press’s report on the bombing notes that even though Greece has been engulfed in such violence, it has been more scarce in the recent past.
“Militant anarchist and far-left groups have carried out bomb attacks in Greece for decades, frequently targeting banks and the offices of large companies. But the frequency of attacks has fallen in recent years, following the arrest and prosecution of militants from several domestic groups, some of whom are currently on trial” the AP writes.
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