Massive protests erupted across Greece on Friday as thousands gathered to mark the second anniversary of the country's deadliest train disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 57 people and left 88 seriously injured. The anniversary protests have become symbolic of growing discontent among citizens over rising costs and the overall uncertainty affecting their lives.
Approximately 300,000 demonstrators filled the streets of Athens alone, as police reported large gatherings at the Syntagma Square, fronted by Greece's Parliament. Crowds chanted urgent slogans such as "I can't breathe" and lit Molotov cocktails, causing chaos near the legislative building. "When more than 300,000 people gather, it’s not just about the tragedy, but about the accumulated frustrations of the people," said Dr. Stella Ladi, a political expert from Panteion University.
The protests were part of a general strike called by various worker unions, affecting all key services across the nation. Air travel, maritime transport, and rail services came to a standstill as controllers, railway workers, doctors, lawyers, and teachers united to pay tribute to the victims of the train crash. The general strike and protests highlight not only collective grief over the disaster but also widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the aftermath.
The protest had escalated when some individuals aimed Molotov cocktails at police, resulting in the injury of several officers as well as civilians who fainted from stress. Riot police responded with tear gas and stun grenades, leading to clashes near Parliament before the situation stabilized shortly after 1 PM local time.
Families of victims participated, with many students adorning themselves with black clothing during classes as a mark of respect. Graffiti displaying the names of those who perished was sprayed on the Parliament building, emphasizing the memory of the deceased. Many groups marched through the city with signs reading, "You killed our children," capturing the raw emotion of the protests.
This tragedy dates back to February 28, 2023, when a passenger train carrying many students collided head-on with a freight train near the Tempi gorge, the incident becoming the worst rail disaster Greece has ever witnessed. A report released on Thursday indicated systemic failures and operational negligence led to the accident, contributing to public frustration over accountability.
The report, released by the National Committee for Accidents, highlighted multiple missteps immediately following the disaster, resulting in the loss of key evidence. "The destruction of evidence within three days cannot happen again," said Kostas Kapetanidis, who leads the investigative team, underscoring the need for thorough procedural changes. Investigators believe the collision was primarily caused by human error—specifically, the misdirection of the trains due to insufficient staff and training at the Larisa station.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has faced backlash for failing to initiate parliamentary inquiries to address the political responsibility related to the crash. He criticized the use of the tragedy as fodder for political division, stating, "Some wish to exploit collective mourning for their political gain." Mitsotakis, whose party won the 2023 elections post-tragedy, assured the public the government is working diligently to modernize the rail network and improve safety measures.
Recent polling carried out by Pulse revealed overwhelming public sentiment, with 82% of Greeks labeling the train disaster as one of the most important issues facing the country today. More than half of the respondents expressed frustration over the investigations conducted so far, perceiving governmental attempts at transparency as insufficient. Opposition parties like PASOK have accused the government of stonewalling evidence and failing to offer meaningful accountability.
Adding to the political tension, PASOK’s leader, Nikos Andrulakis, announced intentions to file a no-confidence motion against the government on account of its perceived failures concerning the train disaster. "The tragedy was made possible by criminal neglect," he stated, demanding action against those responsible.
With deadlines looming for legislative responses, parliament is expected to engage in debates over potentially effective mechanisms for establishing accountability, amplifying the political ramifications of the unrest. The investigation remains open as the judicial proceedings are anticipated to conclude later this year, with many awaiting the regrettable lessons learned to be applied to prevent future disasters.
Across the country, demonstrations revealed frustration not only about the train crash but also about the rising cost of living and the daily realities faced by the public. Striking workers symbolically demanded justice for the victims, illustrating the broader economic discontent coursing through Greek society amid the legacy of the pandemic and compounded inflation pressures.
The echoes of the February 28 disaster continue to resonate strongly, as the protests serve as testimony to both the tragedy and the societal call for accountability, justice, and change within Greece's political and socio-economic frameworks.