Calls for defense minister's resignation following fire incident

The Alma movement has formally demanded the resignation of Cyprus Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas following new revelations concerning a fire at the Kalo Chorio firing range. The movement argues that the minister is personally liable after allegedly attempting to shift blame for the incident onto the 70th Engineer Battalion.

New reports suggest that the fire occurred during a pre-planned military exercise, which had been officially authorized and signed off by the leadership of the National Guard, including the Chief and Deputy Chief of the General Staff. According to reports, this exercise involved American instructors, contradicting the minister’s initial public statements that attributed responsibility to lower-ranking engineering units.

The movement contends that Minister Palmas either deliberately misled the public by scapegoating subordinates or made reckless claims without verifying the facts. In either scenario, the organization asserts that political responsibility rests solely with the minister. The Alma movement has confirmed plans to escalate the issue to the House of Representatives to ensure a formal investigation, demanding clarity on the appointment of a criminal investigator to guarantee independence and transparency in the case.