On February 28, 2025, the second anniversary of the deadliest train accident in Greece's history was marked by widespread protests and unrest across the country. Nearly 325,000 people gathered, with the largest crowds forming around the capital, Athens, where around 180,000 demonstrators flooded the streets. Reports indicated similar protests took place nationwide, showcasing the sustained anger surrounding the government’s response to the tragic event.
Two years ago, on the night of February 28, 2023, two trains—a passenger train traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki and a freight train—collided head-on near the city of Larissa, resulting in the loss of 57 lives, primarily young individuals. This catastrophic incident exposed significant deficiencies within Greece's railway infrastructure, with subsequent investigations attributing the cause to both human error and serious structural flaws within the rail network.
Following the accident, many family members of victims and advocates expressed outrage at the government’s reluctance to accept political accountability, leading to protests against Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ administration. Protesters voiced their frustrations with chants of “Murderers” directed at government officials, reflecting their deep discontent over what they perceive as attempts to cover up the failures leading to the tragedy.
On the anniversary of the disaster, activists rallied under various slogans, including “No to Cover-ups” and “We Will Not Forget,” with calls for justice echoing through the streets. This year’s commemorative protests were significantly amplified by the announcement of major strikes across various sectors, with participation from flight controllers, train operators, doctors, lawyers, and educators. These coordinated work stoppages brought public services, transportation, and many businesses to a standstill, underscoring the nationwide solidarity with the victims’ families.
Clashes erupted between demonstrators and police forces as violence marred what began as peaceful demonstrations. Groups of youth were seen throwing Molotov cocktails and rocks at law enforcement near the Syntagma Square, prompting police to deploy tear gas and water cannons. Official reports from law enforcement indicated the arrest of over 40 individuals during these disturbances. Similar scenes unfolded in Thessaloniki, where tensions between protesters and security forces also escalated.
The protests were fueled not only by anger over the accident itself but also by frustrations stemming from the investigations and ensuing legal proceedings. A recent report from the governing body overseeing transport accidents revealed severe deficiencies within the Greek railway system and identified human incompetence as contributing to the collision’s disastrous outcome. Critics have pointed to the government's failure to modernize the railway system as another underlying factor exacerbated by years of neglect.
Families of the deceased have repeatedly criticized the government's failure to investigate thoroughly the role of political leaders, demanding transparent accountability and reform. “We require the whole truth to surface, and those responsible must be held accountable, regardless of their position,” said Yannis Panagopoulos, leader of the largest labor union, reflecting the sentiments shared among many attending the marches.
Despite government assertions of cooperating with legal inquiries, public trust remains low, as numerous polls depict sliding approval ratings for Mitsotakis’ administration—now at its lowest since the June 2023 elections. Many Greeks fear sabotage of investigations and claim evidence is being suppressed or mishandled, with additional concerns over the qualifications of transport officers implicated during the crash.
The aftermath of the tragedy saw more than 40 individuals—including the local train station master—charged with various offenses relating to negligence. Yet the trial is not expected to commence until later this year, leading activists and victims' families to perceive this delay as yet another sign of state mishandling.
At the conclusion of demonstrations, protesters recommitted themselves to pursue justice for all who suffered from the crash. “Today is not only for those who died but also for those fighting for truth and accountability,” proclaimed demonstrator Nikos Lykomitros, emphasizing the urgency of public pressure on the government.
The two-year mark of the tragedy has become not just a day of remembrance but rather one of vast collective resolve. The protests highlighted the need for urgent systemic changes to restore faith among citizens who demand safe and accountable transportation systems, as well as respect for the lives lost.
The struggle continues as demonstrators and family members remain vigilant, remembering the 57 victims of the train collision and continually pressing for reform within Greece’s public transit infrastructure, focusing on preventing future tragedies and ensuring justice for those affected.