Rising frustration in Greece following fatal train accident leads opposition to initiate government challenge

ATHENS, Greece — On Friday, three opposition parties in Greece announced their intention to confront the center-right government regarding its management of a tragic rail accident that occurred nearly two years ago. This decision comes amid escalating public outrage fueled by delays in the ongoing investigation and persistent accusations of a governmental cover-up, which officials have vehemently denied.

The rail disaster that claimed 57 lives—among them college students returning from a break—took place on February 28, 2023, when a passenger train collided with a freight train near Tempe in northern Greece. In response to this tragedy, protesters took to the streets on Sunday in multiple cities, including Athens and Thessaloniki, with additional demonstrations organized by Greek communities in cities across Europe such as Amsterdam, Berlin, and Brussels.

Sokratis Famellos, the leader of the left-wing Syriza party, expressed solidarity with the other opposition factions, Pasok and the New Left, in pursuing a censure motion against the government. Famellos articulated the urgency of this initiative, stating, “A joint initiative by progressive parties for a censure motion is necessary today. The evidence is there, and society demands accountability.”

While it is unlikely that a censure motion will directly threaten Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government, it could serve to unify Greece’s splintered opposition. Lawmakers from the three opposition parties confirmed they are in discussions to determine the best timing for the motion.

The investigation into the rail crash has experienced numerous delays, with critics accusing government officials of impeding justice. While some railway personnel have faced charges, there has been a notable absence of accountability among high-ranking political figures, further igniting public discontent.

At a recent Cabinet meeting, Mitsotakis addressed his ministers, promising to navigate through the “turbulence” that has beset the government. “This difficult week comes to a close under the shadow of the Tempe tragedy,” he mentioned in a televised speech. He added that the country is approaching the final stages of an investigation concerning this painful national trauma.

The ongoing controversy has overshadowed the parliamentary process for electing a new president. In the most recent voting round, the government-backed candidate, Constantine Tassoulas, did not receive the necessary cross-party support to secure the presidency. The 65-year-old former speaker is expected to triumph in upcoming rounds scheduled for next month, as the threshold for election support will be lowered.