Greece witnessed massive nationwide protests and a general strike on February 28, 2025, marking the second anniversary of the Tempi train disaster, the country’s deadliest rail accident. The tragedy, which occurred on February 28, 2023, claimed 57 lives when a passenger train filled with students collided head-on with a freight train near the Tempi gorge. The collision exposed severe systemic failures in Greece’s railway infrastructure and has since become a symbol of public anger over governmental incompetence and lack of accountability.
Key Developments on the Anniversary
- Protests and Strikes:
- Hundreds of thousands of people rallied in cities across Greece, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and Larissa, demanding justice for the victims and accountability from the government.
- A total of 346 demonstrations were reported domestically and internationally. In Athens’ Syntagma Square alone, over 170,000 people gathered.
- A general strike brought the country to a standstill. Flights were grounded, trains halted, maritime vessels docked, and businesses closed as workers from various sectors joined the protests.
- Public Sentiment:
- Protesters accused the government of negligence and attempting to cover up critical details of the crash. Signs reading “Government of murderers” and shirts bearing slogans like “Justice until the end” were prominent.
- Many participants were first-time demonstrators, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction across age groups and social classes.
- Clashes with Police:
- While most protests were peaceful, tensions escalated in Athens and Thessaloniki. Protesters threw petrol bombs and stones at police, who responded with tear gas and stun grenades.
- Over 80 arrests were made in connection with riots involving several hundred individuals.
Findings from Investigations
- Causes of the Crash:
- An independent inquiry released on February 27, 2025, attributed the crash to human error, outdated infrastructure, insufficient staffing levels, and systemic failures in Greece’s railway system.
- A station master’s routing error placed both trains on the same track. Poor training and aging safety systems compounded the disaster.
- Unresolved Issues:
- Despite promises for reform following the crash, safety gaps remain unaddressed two years later.
- A judicial investigation into criminal responsibility is still incomplete, with no convictions to date.
- Allegations of Mismanagement:
- Critics allege that evidence was destroyed shortly after the crash under government orders. Families of victims accuse officials of obstructing justice.
- Questions remain about whether illegal flammable materials aboard the freight train contributed to an explosion during the collision.
- EU Criticism:
- The European Commission previously flagged Greece for lacking an independent railway accident investigative body since 2019. It also highlighted delays in implementing EU-funded safety upgrades that could have prevented the crash.
Broader Implications
The Tempi train tragedy has become a flashpoint for public outrage against Greece’s center-right New Democracy government led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Accusations of negligence and cover-ups have eroded trust in political institutions. For many Greeks, this incident is not just an accident but a symbol of systemic failure that demands accountability.
The protests underscore a deepening rift between citizens and their government over issues of transparency, infrastructure investment, and justice for victims’ families. The tragedy’s legacy continues to resonate as a call for meaningful reforms in Greece’s governance and public safety systems.
Citations:
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