The prime minister of Greece has pledged to enhance the country’s railways following significant protests over a 2023 train crash that claimed 57 lives. This announcement comes as the prime minister’s government prepares for a potential vote of no confidence. Two days after massive protests marking the second anniversary of the train collision, Kyriakos Mitsotakis admitted that insufficient efforts had been made to develop a “safe and modern” transportation system. He recognized that the protests, the largest in recent history, underscored the urgent demand for change.
The tragedy occurred when a train filled with students collided head-on with a freight train in the Tempe gorge on the Athens-Thessaloniki line. Mitsotakis emphasized the need for infrastructure modernization, stating that recent efforts have fallen short. He dedicated a weekly online address to the disaster, acknowledging the public’s call for truth, justice, and the prevention of such tragedies in the future. Changes are set to begin with the Athens-Thessaloniki line, where the fatal collision took place.
The scale of the protests indicates that Mitsotakis faces his most significant challenge since his election in July 2019. Critics accuse him of prioritizing party interests over public concerns, a criticism unusual for a leader known for crisis management. The trust in Mitsotakis’s ability to deliver is waning, with this incident sparking broader political unrest. No officials or government bodies have been held accountable for the disaster, and the slow pace of justice has exacerbated public distress. A report released by Greece’s air and rail accident authority on the eve of the protests further fueled anger by suggesting the presence of explosives at the crash site, hinting at a cover-up involving the smuggling of hazardous materials.
The report criticized the lack of respect and order at the accident site, noting that it led to the loss of evidence. Judicial investigators are expected to summon new witnesses, raising concerns about the deliberate concealment of key evidence. Mitsotakis acknowledged the report’s findings, urging Greeks not to lose faith in the judiciary, which he stated is solely responsible for clarifying the case. However, public trust in institutions and the judicial system is at an all-time low, and opposition parties, including Pasok, plan to file a vote of no confidence, potentially leading to intense parliamentary debates, while mourners continue their vigils outside the parliament building.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/02/greek-pm-vows-upgrade-railways-government-faces-confidence-vote
