Greek Archaeological Sites Closed, Staff Cut

Over 40 archaeological sites and museums have been closed completely or partially due to lack of staff, according to the Culture and Tourism Ministry.

The ministry recently released a list of 22 archaeological sites and 23 museums that have been affected by the cancellation of the recruitment process for 2,584 full-time employees and the expiry of the short-term contracts of another 4,000 staff.

Several major Greek landmarks have been left without the necessary guards and administrative personnel to operate normally, which has led to their closure or partial operation.

According to Greek press reports, the National Archaeological Museum in Athens and the archaeological sites of Delphi and Sparta may possibly remain closed in evenings or weekends. Smaller museums on Greek islands have been closed completely.

However, the popular archaeological site in Greece, namely the Acropolis, has not been affected.

According to General Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Lina Mendoni, the problem should be resolved by April when tourists start to arrive to Greece.