The Greek parliament voted on Tuesday to establish a committee to investigate a minister’s handling of the aftermath of the 2023 train disaster, the country’s deadliest rail accident, which claimed 57 lives.
The decision follows days of violent protests over what many see as government negligence and lack of accountability.
On Friday, hundreds of thousands of Greeks took to the streets to mark the second anniversary of the tragedy, demanding justice for the victims, most of whom were students. The protests, which led to widespread strikes and business shutdowns, underscored public frustration with the government’s response to the disaster.
The crash occurred in February 2023 when a passenger train collided head-on with a freight train near Tempi, central Greece. Investigations revealed serious safety lapses, including poor railway infrastructure and alleged mismanagement by transport officials. The disaster sparked nationwide outrage, leading to mass demonstrations and the resignation of the then-transport minister.
The parliamentary inquiry will examine whether government officials mishandled the crisis, delayed reforms, or failed to implement safety measures that could have prevented the accident. Opposition parties have accused the ruling government of stalling efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ administration has pledged to cooperate with the investigation while emphasizing ongoing efforts to modernize Greece’s aging rail network. However, many citizens remain skeptical, viewing the probe as a political maneuver rather than a genuine effort to deliver justice.
With tensions still high, observers warn that failure to deliver concrete results could fuel further unrest. As Greece grapples with the legacy of the disaster, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the inquiry leads to real accountability or deepens public distrust in the government.
Be the first to comment