Greek seismologist and former director of Athens Geodynamic Institute, Akis Tselentis, resigned from the National Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment, a body that is monitoring the ongoing seismic activity in the Cyclades, on the morning of Tuesday, February 11.
The professor submitted his resignation to the Secretary General of Civil Protection, accusing the government of political interference in the scientific community’s work. He criticized the administration for allowing unofficial members to participate in committee meetings despite lacking the necessary scientific qualifications, allegedly for political motives.
“I cannot accept the arbitrary imposition by the political leadership of additional members participating in the committee’s meetings without an official Government Gazette,” he stated.
“We are a committee elected based on scientific criteria, representing our institutions with an official [announcement in the Greek Gazette]. Such political interventions undermine our role,” he added, criticizing the government.
Sources from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection commenting on Tselentis’ resignation, attempted to play down the incident, hinting that the professor’s resignation is connected to his own hidden agenda.
The ministry’s sources also reassured that the composition and operation of the Seismic Risk Committee, as well as the Monitoring Committee of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, are fully legal and primarily focused on scientific research to provide the most complete and accurate public information.
“We will not engage further or comment on anything else. At times like these, personal agendas should not concern anyone,” they concluded.
The ministry’s comment sparked the seismologist’s reaction, who responded sharply and with insinuations in a new social media post.
Among other things, Tselentis stated: “Nothing about the core issue or the Government Gazette. No mention of how specific individuals with family ties to the political leadership were appointed by higher orders, while many far more qualified scientists specializing in the country’s seismic activity were overlooked.”
“It reminds me of Tempi. Since these are critical times, I will not engage further with absurd political narratives,” he adds.
