Greek firefighters demand permanent jobs after severe wildfire season

Greek firefighters protested in Athens on Thursday, demanding permanent jobs as their seasonal contracts expired. About 2,500 firefighters are now unemployed after a severe wildfire season that began earlier than usual and extended into autumn. This year, Greece faced over 4,500 wildfires, burning an estimated 1,747 square kilometers, significantly higher than the past decade's average. Union leaders argue that climate change has increased the need for year-round firefighting capabilities. The Greek government has not yet responded to the demand for permanent positions. New legislation aims to address wildfire impacts, while other European countries also struggle with worsening wildfire conditions due to climate change.