Greek government called 'incapable'

ATHENS, Greece, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Critics accused the Greek government Tuesday of incompetence in its handling of wildfires ravaging the country.

The last five days have been the worst of the country's worst wildfire season ever. The fires, most of them in the Peloponnese, the country's southern peninsula, have killed at least 64 people and destroyed homes, vineyards and olive groves.

George Papandreou, head of Pasok, the largest opposition party, called the government of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis "tragically incapable of dealing with fires," The Scotsman reported..

"It could not save people's lives, property and homes," he said. "It's time for Greek people to choose a strong government that can guarantee security, confidence and hope."

A parliamentary election is scheduled in three weeks, and polls show the government's lead has almost disappeared. The fires appear to be the main reason.

At least 33 people have been charged with arson.