On February 28, Greece witnessed one of the largest protests it has seen in years as people took to the streets to mark the second anniversary of the Tempi train crash, the deadliest rail disaster the country has ever experienced. With widespread anger at the government and how it has handled the aftermath of the crash, hundreds of thousands of Greeks across 346 cities and towns demonstrated, demanding justice for the 57 victims who lost their lives when two trains collided near the Tempi gorge.
The crash, which occurred on the night of February 28, 2023, involved a passenger train packed with students and another freight train. The tragedy left not only the nation grieving but also spurred significant outrage against systemic failures, leading to today’s protests. Spencer from Thessaloniki recalled, "I am here in memory of the people who were killed. We demand justice." This sentiment echoed throughout the crowds, as participants waved placards and shouted slogans expressing their dissatisfaction with the government's response.
The protests led to the country being brought to a halt as unions across various sectors, including air traffic controllers, sea ferry workers, and teachers, joined forces for a 24-hour general strike. This show of solidarity among workers included shuttered businesses and closed schools, allowing people to participate more fully in the rallies. Reports indicated approximately 325,000 people attended protests nationwide, with over 170,000 gathering at Syntagma Square, Athens, near the Greek Parliament.
Despite the largely peaceful nature of the protests, tensions escalated between demonstrators and riot police. When small groups of hooded individuals began throwing petrol bombs and stones, the police retaliated with tear gas and water cannons, resulting in numerous injuries, including hospitalizations for several protesters. This violent outbreak has ignited fears of the government’s control over the spaces of dissent, reminiscent of previous clashes where state forces met public anger with force.
Underlying the anger is widespread disdain for the government’s perceived persistent failures to address safety concerns on the railways and the lack of transparency following the crash. A report from Greece's Air and Rail Accident Investigation Authority indicated the crash was exacerbated by human error, coupled with inadequate maintenance and staffing across the rail systems. These findings have prompted accusations of negligence against the New Democratic Party-led government, which has faced allegations of conducting a cover-up related to political accountability.
Prior to today's commemorative actions, Evdokia Tsagkli, one of the survivors of the crash, expressed her frustration with the government’s handling of protests, saying, "The protests must continue because we can’t take another breath without confronting corruption and hypocrisy." Her words reflect the anguish felt by many families who continue to seek answers and justice.
Key opposition parties argue for greater governmental responsibility, criticizing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for failing to pursue accountability for high-ranking officials implicated following the investigation. Mitsotakis, facing increasing pressure, stated on social media, "We will work to modernize the rail network and make it safer." Yet many are unconvinced, believing the government's commitment is more about damage control than genuine reform.
The public's sentiment is increasingly fueled by perceptions of existence as more than just passive bystanders to tragedy, but as active participants fighting against what they see as systemic injustice. Surveys indicate around 82% of the public believes the Tempi crash constitutes one of the most pressing issues facing Greece today, displaying clear discontent with the official investigations—66% reported dissatisfaction with how the government has addressed the disaster.
Many protest placards reflected personal messages, such as “Text me when you get there,” which resonates with the haunting final messages sent by many relatives of the victims to their loved ones before the fatal collision. This poignant reminder serves both as grief and as fuel for their demand for accountability.
Political speculation is rampant as opposition parties plan to introduce a no-confidence vote against the government, citing the mishandling of the investigation. Time will determine the outcome of these developments, but one sentiment remains clear amid the protests: justice for the 57 lives lost is non-negotiable.
The tragic events surrounding the Tempi train crash exemplify how deeply intertwined the tensions of governance, safety, and accountability can become when human lives are at stake. The hope from today’s mass mobilization is to spark real change, affirming the need for systemic reform to prevent another disaster of such heart-wrenching proportions.