Thousands continue protests in Greece as families of train crash victims receive support

·

Thousands of people protested on Sunday against safety deficiencies in Greece’s railway network nearly two weeks after 57 people were killed in the country’s deadliest train crash.

According to Greek police, over 8,000 people gathered outside Parliament in Athens on Sunday, demanding punishment for those responsible for the train crash.

The protesters later marched to the offices of privatised train operator Hellenic Train. The company isn’t responsible for the maintenance of the railway network. State-owned Hellenic Railways is in charge of upkeep.

In Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, about 5,000 people demonstrated, listened to speeches and shouted slogans such as “we will be the voice for all the dead.”

Protests in Greece. Photo: AMNA.gr.

These protests come as the Greek government announced on Friday that the immediate relatives of people killed in the Tempi train crash will receive a special pension.

According to Ekathimerini, the special pension will be paid to the spouse and children of the deceased or, in the absence of a spouse and children, to the parents of the deceased.

The tax-free allowance will be paid retroactively from March 1, regardless of other income or pension being received by the beneficiary. The special pension will amount to four times the national pension.

In addition, all tax and social insurance debts of the immediate relatives of the deceased (parents, spouses or children), as well as those of people left with a 50% disability as a result of the disaster, are being written off.

Source: AP News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Melina Haritopoulou-Sinanidou: Redefining what it means to be a woman in Neuroscience

From Athens to Australia to the cutting edge of spinal cord research, Melina Haritopoulou-Sinanidou has never taken the easy road.

PRONIA responds to allegations by President of Victoria’s Greek Elderly Federation

PRONIA has responded to serious allegations made by John Kostoulias, President of the Federation of Greek Elderly Citizen Clubs in Victoria

The Cyprus War of Liberation: Honouring the sacrifice for a united and free island

It was to be a bloody cruel war, as the dwindling might of a fading empire became desperate to retain its global status.

Greek Rock to take over Sydney with rousing concert

The realm of Greek Rock is set to take centre stage in Sydney as IHO NYX prepares to thrill with a lively concert.

‘Speak Greek in March’ campaign sees GCM students visit Melbourne Zoo

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) City’s school unit successfully organised an educational excursion to the Melbourne Zoo.

You May Also Like

Traditional Greek recipes: Gemista (stuffed vegetables)

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite vegan recipe for gemista (stuffed vegetables) with The Greek Herald.

Thousands forced to flee as wildfires rage across Europe

Fire authorities across southern Europe battled on Sunday to control huge wildfires in countries including Greece, Spain and France.

Athens celebration to mark 10 years of The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s achievements

The Hellenic Initiative Australia celebrated a decade of transformative work in Athens, Greece on 23 July 2024.