Two years after the devastating train crash in Tempe, northern Greece, a massive general strike and hundreds of planned demonstrations have brought the nation to a standstill to mark the anniversary of the tragedy.
The tragedy, which killed 57 people on February 28, 2023, has become a symbol of Greece’s institutional failure and public outrage against the government’s handling of the aftermath.
The strike, supported by the families of the victims, especially the relatives of those killed in the crash, is fueled by frustration over the government’s inaction.
While rail officials have been charged, critics argue that no higher officials have been held accountable for the systemic failures that led to the collision between a passenger train and an oncoming freight train—Greece’s worst railway disaster.
Yannis Panagopoulos, the president of the General Confederation of Greek Workers, which organized the strike, emphasized the need for accountability and called for people to take to the streets to voice their demands for justice.
The mass protests and demonstrations have caused widespread disruptions: flights, rail services, and ferries have been canceled, and public transportation across Greece has been severely impacted.
Private businesses and public services are also affected, with many shops in Athens closed as a sign of solidarity for the victims’ families.
Demonstrations are planned in over 300 cities, both in Greece and internationally, with a central focus on the parliament building in Athens.
The authorities have deployed more than 5,000 police officers in the capital to manage potential unrest.
Although the protests are centered around remembrance, justice, and honoring the victims, they have created a political challenge for Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government.
While his conservative party maintains a strong lead in the polls, the public outcry over the crash has led to increased support for anti-establishment parties, and opposition leaders are considering presenting a censure motion against the government.
A recent report on the investigation into the crash cited human error, outdated infrastructure, and systemic failures as major contributors to the collision.
The aftermath of the disaster was chaotic, with survivors recounting the horror of tumbling carriages, fires, and smashed windows as they desperately tried to escape.
One of the most poignant stories is that of Maria Karystianou, a pediatrician who lost her 21-year-old daughter, Maria-Thomai, in the crash. Karystianou has become a key figure in the campaign to demand accountability from the government, and she publicly expressed gratitude to the unions, doctors, lawyers, and judges who have joined the protests.
While the protests continue, the families of the victims are focused on remembrance, reflection, and the ongoing pursuit of justice for their loved ones.
