On Friday, the Greek Ministry of Culture announced that it is filing a lawsuit against all responsible parties for violations of archaeological legislation following widespread backlash over a sportswear company’s drone light show above the Acropolis.
In its statement, the Ministry noted that it is in communication with the Civil Aviation Authority to investigate whether the drone overflight was properly licensed in accordance with existing regulations.
The incident also sparked reactions from opposition political parties. SYRIZA, in its statement, accused the government of “offensive commercialization” of the country’s cultural heritage, demanding immediate sanctions against those responsible and calling for political accountability if the event was permitted due to oversight.
Similarly, PASOK criticized the event as “commercial exploitation of cultural symbols,” emphatically stating that “the Acropolis is not an advertising backdrop.”
The party also questioned the Ministry’s policy regarding the use of the Acropolis for commercial purposes, highlighting its recent decision to deny permission to internationally acclaimed Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos for filming at the same archaeological site.
PASOK called for immediate and transparent clarification from the Ministry of Culture regarding whether a permit was granted for the drone show and, if so, by which authority.
