Union reaction
The Panhellenic Federation of Public Employees in the Ministry of Rural Development and Food (POGEDY) condemned the decision. It described the transfer of civilian crisis management to the armed forces as a dangerous deviation from established procedures.
Background of the outbreak
Foot-and-mouth disease has affected livestock on the Greek island of Lesvos. The amendment shifts day-to-day coordination and operational command away from agricultural authorities.
Next steps
POGEDY called for the measure to be reversed and for responsibility to remain with civilian veterinary services. [TO VERIFY: exact date and text of the amendment; official government statement on scope of army role]
