Traffic on a main Athens thoroughfare was interrupted in both directions on Thursday evening due to a protest rally by seasonal firefighters outside the climate crisis and civil protection ministry.
The protest at one point took a raucous turn with a brief occupation of the building, with protestors also clashing with riot police standing guard outside the ministry on Kifissias Avenue, near the Athens Olympic Stadium.
The main demand by the seasonal firefighters is for their contracts to be changed to an all-year status.
According to ministry figures, a total of 1,340 forest firefighters will be hired in 2025, out of a pool of 2,500 seasonal firefighters.
A meeting between the relevant minister, Vassilis Kikilias, and representatives of seasonal firefighters is scheduled for next Wednesday.
