Greek PM calls for restraint during uprising anniversary, amid coronavirus

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for restraint ahead of the anniversary of the 1973 student uprising, marked on November 17. Photo / AP

Greece's Prime Minister appealed to political parties on Monday to show "self-restraint" in commemorations marking the 1973 crushing of a student uprising by the ruling military junta at the time, as part of measures to curtail a surging coronavirus outbreak in the country.

November 17, the day the uprising was quashed, is marked each year with wreath-laying ceremonies at the Athens Polytechnic commemorating those who died there, followed by marches to the US Embassy. The marches sometimes turn violent, with protesters clashing with riot police.

Greece is under lockdown until the end of November. Photo / AP

This year, the Government has banned the marches due to a surge in coronavirus infections and deaths which are straining the country's health system. The police chief over the weekend announced a nationwide ban on gatherings of more than three people from November 15-18.

Left-wing opposition parties voiced outrage and said the ban was unconstitutional, but a late challenge at the country's highest administrative court, the Council of State, was unsuccessful.

"At this critical time, the historic anniversary cannot become the reason for division and human lives the field of party experiments," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a statement on Monday. "For that reason I call for self-restraint from all parties."

Mitsotakis noted that gatherings during Greece's two national holidays on March 25 and October 28 were also cancelled this year.

"There can be no freedom without responsibility," he said.

"I honestly believe that the overwhelming majority of society is having trouble following the big debate occurring about this year's celebration in pandemic conditions," Mitsotakis said. "The decision to not have mass events and a march is being imposed purely for reasons of protecting public health."

On Sunday, Greece recorded its largest coronavirus death toll in a single day: 71. The country of 11 million people now has more than 76,000 confirmed cases and more than 1100 deaths, while its intensive care units are at 78 per cent capacity. The country is under lockdown until November 30.

The country of 11 million people now has more than 76,000 confirmed cases and more than 1,100 deaths. Photo / AP

The main opposition Syriza party described Mitsotakis' statement as "a crescendo of hypocrisy" and accused him of suspending the Greek Constitution by banning gatherings nationwide.

A statement Syriza signed jointly with other left-wing parties noted that the parties have "proven in practice" that any mobilisations they organise adhere to all necessary protective measures.

"Democratic rights and popular freedoms are the conquest of the working and popular movement. The Government has a huge responsibility for this development. Even now it must withdraw this unacceptable decision," on banning gatherings.