Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in cities and towns across Greece on Friday to demand justice on the second anniversary of the country's deadliest-ever train crash. The tragic incident occurred on February 28, 2023, near the Tempi gorge in central Greece, claiming the lives of fifty-seven individuals.
Despite two years passing since the devastating crash, safety gaps identified by an inquiry remain unfilled, and a judicial investigation is yet to be concluded with no convictions made. This lack of progress has fueled public outrage, leading to mass demonstrations in numerous cities.
On the anniversary, a 24-hour general strike was observed, with air traffic controllers, seafarers, train drivers, doctors, lawyers, and teachers participating to honor the victims. The strike resulted in the grounding of all international and domestic flights, halting sea and train transport, and causing disruptions to various services and businesses.
In Athens, tens of thousands gathered in Syntagma Square, displaying signs of discontent towards the government's handling of the situation. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' administration has faced criticism for not initiating a parliamentary inquiry into political responsibility, a move demanded by relatives of the victims.
Protesters expressed their frustration and grief, with one individual stating, 'The government hasn't done anything to get justice. This wasn't an accident; it was murder.' Another protester highlighted concerns about government transparency, accusing officials of attempting to cover up details related to the crash.
The tragic event has deeply impacted Greek society, with citizens expressing widespread mistrust of the government, exacerbated by past economic crises. The protests symbolized a collective demand for accountability and transparency in addressing the train crash and ensuring the safety of the country's transportation infrastructure.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, opposition parties have called for the government to step down, citing allegations of evidence suppression. Parliament is set to debate the establishment of a committee to investigate potential political responsibility in the coming week.
The train crash has emerged as a pivotal issue for the Greek population, with a majority expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing investigations. The tragedy has sparked a national conversation on the need for improved safety measures and accountability within the railway network.
In response to the public outcry, Prime Minister Mitsotakis pledged to modernize the railway system and enhance safety measures. The government's commitment to addressing the shortcomings that led to the crash is seen as a crucial step towards preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The demonstrations and strikes underscore the deep-seated concerns and demands of the Greek people for justice, transparency, and accountability in the wake of the train crash that claimed the lives of fifty-seven individuals.
