Coordinated Bomb Attacks Target Greece's Ruling Party, Killing Candidate's Mother

In the early hours of Wednesday, three coordinated bomb attacks targeted members of Greece's ruling conservative party, New Democracy, in Thessaloniki. The improvised explosive devices detonated outside three residential buildings housing party members between 4:00 and 4:45 a.m., causing significant property damage and casualties. The deadliest blast occurred beneath the car of Afroditi Nestora, a New Democracy parliamentary candidate, igniting nearby vehicles and a fire that severely injured her mother, who later died in hospital. Nestora and her father, along with three other residents, were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and burns.

The first two explosions, placed at entrances of buildings belonging to former MP Sabas Anastasiadis and local party committee head Zisis Ioakimovich, caused property damage but no injuries. Police confirmed the bombs were made from gas canisters connected to flammable materials, a method previously used by anarchist and far-left groups in Greece for symbolic attacks. No organization has claimed responsibility yet.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis condemned the attacks as "cowardly, terrorist, and murderous," pledging to visit the victims and send a clear message of zero tolerance for terrorism. Konstantinos Kiranakis, secretary of New Democracy's political committee, stated the attacks were intended to kill and would not intimidate the party. Public order minister Michalis Chrisochoidis warned of a possible resurgence of domestic terrorism, referencing the long-defunct 17 November group.

These attacks come amid preparations for Greece's upcoming general elections, expected by next year, with speculation that Mitsotakis might call early polls. The bombings have heightened security concerns as political tensions rise in the country.