Calls for PM Mitsotakis’ resignation grow as Greece raises hell over Tempi train disaster

Protests erupted across Greece on the anniversary day, February 28, and this week, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets, demanding justice for the victims of the Tempi train disaster.

The fatal accident, which occurred on Feb. 28, 2023, claimed 57 lives and remains a deeply controversial issue in Greek politics.

Anger over the handling of the case has escalated, with protesters accusing authorities of attempting to cover up systemic failures that led to the crash.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, facing mounting criticism, has been accused of obstructing justice, with many calling for his resignation over the government’s handling of the aftermath.

What happened on February 28 in Greece

On February 28, massive demonstrations took place across the country to mark the second anniversary of the crash.

• In Athens, over 30,000 attendees gathered in Syntagma Square, holding banners that read, “We are the voice of the dead. The crime at Tempi will not be covered up.” Protesters observed a moment of silence before speeches began, with families of the victims leading calls for accountability.

• In Thessaloniki, a similar demonstration drew almost 30,000 citizens as well, with marchers demanding that those responsible be held accountable. Many carried signs criticizing the government’s handling of the tragedy and denouncing what they called “state negligence.”
• In Larissa, the city closest to the crash site, mourners gathered in the main square, where the names of all 57 victims were read aloud. Some attendees placed flowers and candles in remembrance of those lost.

Despite the emotional and determined tone of the demonstrations, police presence was heavy in key locations, but February 28 remained largely peaceful, with participants focusing on commemorating the victims and demanding justice.

Mass protests in Athens, Thessaloniki, other cities for Tempi train disaster

On Wednesday, thousands gathered in Athens, Thessaloniki, and other cities to commemorate the victims and call for accountability.

Demonstrators in Syntagma Square held banners reading, “We are the voice of the dead. The crime at Tempi will not be covered up.” A moment of silence was observed before speeches began.

• In Athens, the protest remained peaceful for hours. Later in the evening, as demonstrators remained gathered outside parliament, police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds. Some individuals then threw Molotov cocktails at police, leading to further confrontations. Three police officers and two protesters sustained injuries.
• In Thessaloniki, tensions escalated near the Aristotle University. Clashes broke out after police deployed crowd control measures, prompting some groups to respond by setting fire to trash bins and throwing projectiles. Authorities detained 59 individuals.
• In Larissa, where the train crash occurred, a large crowd gathered in the city center. The sister of a 20-year-old victim read the names of all 57 casualties, with the crowd responding “present” after each name.
• Protests also took place in Corfu, Patras, Kalamata, and other cities, with events including theatrical performances in memory of the victims.

Despite the violence in some locations, the majority of the demonstrations remained peaceful, with participants vowing to continue their calls for justice.

Why are Greeks protesting? Frustration with legal process regarding Tempi crash

The protests are fueled by deep dissatisfaction with the judicial proceedings related to the crash. Many Greeks believe that key political figures and railway officials have evaded responsibility.

Key concerns include:

• Slow legal proceedings: Over a year after the disaster, court cases have stalled, and no senior officials have been held accountable.
• Missing evidence: Protesters and victims’ families allege that 649,000 audio and video files were excluded from the case, raising suspicions of a cover-up.
• Failure to address railway safety issues: Despite promises of reform, protesters argue that Greece’s rail system remains outdated and unsafe.

Opposition leaders have stressed that the Tempi disaster is not just a tragic accident but a symptom of deeper structural failures.

Mounting pressure on PM Mitsotakis as citizens demand resignation

Mitsotakis faces growing public anger over the handling of the Tempi disaster, with calls for his resignation intensifying.

A group of 290 citizens, including a man who lost his wife in the crash, issued a legal notice demanding answers from the prime minister or his resignation.

• The document, which was also sent to judicial authorities, accuses the government of interfering in the investigation by altering the accident site, potentially obstructing key evidence
• Protesters argue that Mitsotakis’ administration bears responsibility for both the crash and the alleged mishandling of the case
• Some political figures and activists claim that unless accountability is established at the highest levels, the cycle of negligence will continue

Criticism of Mitsotakis also escalated following his statement on the anniversary of the crash. While expressing sympathy for the victims, he framed the disaster as a mix of human error and long-term state failures.

Many saw this as an attempt to deflect blame, particularly as the government had previously promised railway safety upgrades that were never completed.

Opposition parties and activists insist that the protests are not merely about the past but a broader demand for political accountability. Large-scale demonstrations calling for his resignation are expected to continue in the coming weeks.

What’s next: More protests planned in Greece for train accident

Protests are expected to continue in the coming days:

• Friday, March 7: A major demonstration is planned in Athens, with students and activists marching from Propylaea at noon.
• Thessaloniki: Protesters will march from the statue of Venizelos to key government buildings.
• Other cities: Demonstrations are scheduled in Heraklion, Piraeus, Tripoli, and Larissa, where families of victims are leading the movement.

These demonstrations coincide with a no-confidence motion against the government in parliament, intensifying political tensions.

What happened in Tempi: Train disaster that exposed Greece’s railway failures

The Tempi disaster occurred when a passenger train and a freight train collided head-on near Larissa.

Investigations revealed:

• Lack of safety measures: Automated railway control systems were not fully operational at the time of the crash.
• Human error and mismanagement: The stationmaster on duty was inexperienced, and communication failures contributed to the collision.
• Political responsibility: Then-Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis resigned after the crash, but critics argue that deeper systemic issues were ignored.
• Explosive allegations: Some experts have questioned the official explanation of the explosion after the crash, suggesting that undeclared hazardous materials were on board.

How Greek government responds to growing public anger:

• Railway upgrades: Officials claim that new safety measures are being implemented, but many remain skeptical.
• Judicial investigations: Authorities insist that those responsible will be held accountable, but no senior figures have faced significant consequences.
• Political fallout: The opposition continues to pressure Mitsotakis, accusing his administration of negligence.

The Greek government faces growing pressure to provide concrete answers as protests continue all over Greece. For many, the fight for justice is not only about remembering the past but also about preventing similar tragedies in the future.