One of the most significant bills of the current political term is set to come before the House Interior Committee: the establishment of a National Civil Protection Mechanism. The bill was approved by the Cabinet and will be discussed by the new parliament after the May elections.
Centralised crisis management
The new mechanism aims to provide structured, centralised management of all state agencies involved in crisis response — from the Fire Service and Forestry Department to the Police and Civil Defence. All will be placed under the central coordination of a National Coordinator.
Lt General Tzitzikostas
According to government sources, the position is expected to be assumed by retired Lt General Georgios Tzitzikostas, former Chief of the National Guard (2023–2025). His extensive experience in strategic planning and crisis management is considered ideal for the role.
Powers and tenure
The National Coordinator will have exclusive responsibility for coordinating all involved agencies, the authority to declare a civil protection emergency, and management of public communications during crises. The tenure shall not exceed five years, with the possibility of renewal.
A permanent Scientific Council for Civil Protection with advisory functions will also be established.
