On February 28, 2025, Greece witnessed massive protests and a nationwide strike marking the second anniversary of the Tempi train disaster, which claimed 57 lives. The demonstrations, fueled by public outrage over the government’s handling of the tragedy, saw hundreds of thousands take to the streets demanding justice and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Massive Protests: Hundreds of thousands participated in protests across Greece, including major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki.
- General Strike: A 24-hour general strike disrupted public services, including transportation, as various sectors joined the call for justice.
- Government Accountability: Protesters demanded accountability from government officials, criticizing the perceived lack of action following the disaster.
Background of the Tempi Train Disaster
The Tempi train disaster occurred on February 28, 2023, when a passenger train collided head-on with a freight train near the Tempe gorge in central Greece. The crash resulted in the deaths of 57 people, most of whom were students returning from a holiday. The tragedy exposed significant deficiencies in Greece’s railway infrastructure and raised questions about safety protocols and government oversight.
Public Outrage and Demands for Justice
The protests were characterized by a strong emotional charge, with many demonstrators carrying banners and chanting slogans demanding justice for the victims. The phrase "I have no oxygen" became a rallying cry, referencing the last words of one of the victims, Frantzeska Beza.
Families of the victims have been vocal in their demands for accountability, expressing frustration over the slow pace of investigations and the lack of charges against high-ranking officials. A recent report highlighted systemic failures, including human error and inadequate safety measures, as contributing factors to the disaster.
Nationwide Strike and Disruptions
The general strike on February 28 saw participation from various sectors, including transportation, healthcare, and education. Flights were canceled, trains were halted, and public services were severely disrupted. The strike aimed to honor the victims and push for reforms in railway safety.
Clashes with Police
While the majority of protests were peaceful, clashes erupted in some areas, particularly in Athens, where groups of protesters engaged in violent confrontations with police. Riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons as tensions escalated. Authorities reported multiple injuries and arrests during the unrest.
Government Response
In response to the protests, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the tragedy and promised to improve railway safety. However, critics argue that the government has not done enough to address the underlying issues that led to the disaster. The public’s dissatisfaction with the government’s response has led to increased support for opposition parties, raising concerns for the ruling administration.
Conclusion
The second anniversary of the Tempi train disaster has reignited public anger and demands for accountability in Greece. As protests continue, the call for justice remains strong, with many citizens determined to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. The fight for transparency and safety in the railway system is far from over, as families and supporters continue to seek answers and reforms.
Sources
- Mass Protests in Greece Over State Response to Fatal Train Crash | Human Rights Watch, Human Rights Watch.
- Nationwide strike in Greece marks two years since Tempi train disaster | RailTech.com, RailTech.com.
- Mass protests and strikes paralyse Greece on second anniversary of deadly train crash | Euronews, Euronews.
- Violent protests in Greece on rail crash anniversary as frustration at system failures boils over | AP News, AP News.
- Greeks hold mass protests demanding justice after Tempi train tragedy, BBC.
