Citizens across Greece and abroad rallied on Friday, February 28, to mark the second anniversary of the Tempi train disaster, which claimed 57 lives and left many seriously injured.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the public in a weekly briefing, acknowledging the demand for “truth and justice” from both those who marched and those who mourned silently.
“The citizens demanded the obvious: truth and justice for the victims, a state that takes action to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated, and safe and modern public transport,” Mitsotakis stated.
The Athens rally, with an estimated 430,000 attendees, highlighted growing public frustration over the lack of accountability for the crash.
A report released by the Hellenic Air and Rail Accident Investigation Authority (HARSIA) revealed mishandling of the crash site, which led to the loss of crucial evidence.
Mitsotakis admitted that the country’s infrastructure had been insufficiently modernised and vowed to upgrade the rail system, beginning with the Athens-Thessaloniki line.
Despite government pledges, anger persists, with opposition parties calling for the PM’s resignation and accusing him of mishandling the aftermath.
“This tragedy was not just a terrible coincidence nor merely human error,” Mitsotakis said, stressing the need for decisive reforms.
“I once again urge everyone to trust the judiciary and allow it to carry out its work unbiasedly. In a state governed by the rule of law, only the judiciary has the responsibility, authority, and ability to bring clarity to a case that has caused us so much pain – not political parties, nor public opinion,” he added.
He also urged trust in the judiciary to bring clarity to the ongoing investigation. However, with public confidence in institutions waning, the political fallout intensifies.
Protests erupted in multiple cities, including clashes in Athens and Thessaloniki, where demonstrators commemorated the victims and called for justice.
Thousands of Greeks participated in a general strike, with many sectors halting work to honour the lives lost.
The tragic crash, which occurred on February 28, 2023, when an intercity train collided with a freight train, has come to symbolise the neglect of the nation’s infrastructure.
The government’s response has faced heavy criticism for the slow pace of justice and the lack of accountability.
A parliamentary vote of no confidence is set for Wednesday, March 5, with the main opposition PASOK party and leftist SYRIZA expected to lead the charge.
Meanwhile, the grief-stricken families of the victims, like Anastasia Plakia, continue to demand justice, with one posting: “730 days without you; 730 days of sadness, pain, and rage.”
As protests continue, the public’s patience with the government is running thin, and the push for reform grows louder.
Source: Ekathimerini.
