On Friday, riot police in Athens deployed tear gas, stun grenades, and water cannons against protesters who hurled gasoline bombs and shattered paving stones. This massive demonstration marked the second anniversary of Greece’s deadliest rail disaster, which has come to symbolize institutional failure.
Hundreds of thousands from diverse backgrounds flooded streets nationwide, participating in a general strike to demand justice for the 57 lives lost on February 28, 2023, when a passenger train collided head-on with a freight train near Tempi. citeturn0news25
These protests, among the largest since Greece’s debt crisis a decade ago, were fueled by public anger toward the conservative government’s perceived lack of accountability and the sluggish pace of the investigation. citeturn0news26
Violence also erupted in Thessaloniki, where hooded protesters clashed with riot police. In Athens, confrontations near Parliament resulted in at least 20 injuries, with authorities detaining 120 individuals, 27 of whom were arrested. Protesters even entered an archaeological site near Hadrian’s Arch, pelting police with rocks.
The rail disaster exposed significant deficiencies in transportation infrastructure. Unions called a general strike in solidarity with the victims’ families, criticizing politicians for the systemic failures leading to the collision, though only rail officials have faced charges. citeturn0news23
The disaster in Tempi—the worst railway accident in Greece’s history—left dozens injured and highlighted systemic issues within the transportation infrastructure. Yannis Panagopoulos, president of the General Confederation of Greek Workers, emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “The full truth must come to light, and those responsible, no matter how high their position, must be held accountable.”
The strikes disrupted flights, rail services, ferries, and public transportation. Businesses and public services were also affected, with many stores in Athens and other cities closed, displaying messages of solidarity for the victims’ families.
Demonstrations occurred in over 300 cities and towns in Greece and abroad. Protesters in Athens chanted, “You count profits. We count lives,” carrying black balloons and anti-government banners. Municipal worker Costas Reintzopoulos noted that the rail crash underscored longstanding demands for safer working conditions, especially since eleven railway employees were among the deceased.
Memorial services were held at Orthodox churches in Athens for the victims, many of whom were university students returning from a long weekend. Their families urged peaceful protests, focusing on remembrance rather than politics.
The demonstrations have created a politically precarious moment for Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government. While his conservatives maintain a strong lead in the polls, public dissatisfaction over the Tempi disaster has bolstered support for anti-establishment parties on both the left and right. Opposition leaders are considering a censure motion.
Mitsotakis promised to continue efforts to improve rail safety, stating, “Every Greek participates in this mourning, united under the common demand for truth.”
Greece’s mountainous terrain makes it largely road-reliant, with the railway system centered around a single route between Athens and Thessaloniki, a factor that intensified the impact of the collision. A recent report from the investigation into the crash blamed human error, outdated infrastructure, and systemic failures for the head-on collision. citeturn0news25
The aftermath was chaotic, with survivors describing tumbling carriages, fires, and smashed windows as they scrambled to escape. The grim task of recovering and identifying victims was complicated by severe burns and dismemberment. Funerals were held across numerous communities, often broadcast live, turning private grief into a shared national experience.
Maria Krystianou, who lost her 21-year-old daughter Maria-Thomai in the crash, has become a leading figure in the campaign to hold politicians accountable. She expressed gratitude to unions and associations joining the protests, emphasizing the enduring pain of the victims’ families and the need for justice.
Source: Swifteradio.com
