On February 28, 2025, approximately 325,000 people across Greece participated in nationwide protests marking the second anniversary of the country's worst train disaster, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 57 individuals, most of whom were students. The protests were amplified by a general strike, which brought various sectors to a standstill, signaling widespread dissatisfaction with government accountability and transport safety.
Initially ignited by the horrific collision of two trains on February 28, 2023, near the Vale of Tempe, public outrage has intensified over the past two years due to slow investigations and perceived governmental negligence. Marching through the streets of major cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, demonstrators expressed their anguished demands for justice as they chanted slogans and carried banners with poignant messages, including one stating, "Greece kills its children." A young protester, Dimitris Korovesis, highlighted the sentiments felt by many, declaring, "We want justice!" during the gathering outside the Greek Parliament.
Among those present was Maria Karystianou, whose 19-year-old daughter died during the crash. "Two years later, we still do not know what really happened and what cost so many lives," she lamented, addressing the crowd with deep emotion. Her statement encapsulated the collective grief felt across the nation, particularly among families impacted by the tragedy, who continue to demand accountability from authorities.
The day began with somber ceremonies, including the reading of the names and ages of the victims, which culminated in a moment of silence. Emotions ran high as the assembled crowd, many dressed in mourning attire, reflected on the gravity of the situation. Massive demonstrations, like those witnessed on this day, far exceeded the turnouts immediately following the tragic event itself—demonstrations marked by feelings of loss and anger toward those they blame for the systemic failures.
Clashes between protesters and police erupted when some hooded individuals turned to violence, throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at law enforcement, who retaliated with tear gas. Reports indicate at least five individuals sustained injuries during these confrontations, which marred what had largely been peaceful demonstrations. This violent outburst not only indicates the rising tensions but also the frustrations simmering within the populace over the lack of state accountability.
This second anniversary coincided with the release of investigative reports detailing the link between systemic inefficiencies within Greece's train system and the catastrophe. A recently published independent report uncovered alarming details, noting weaknesses related to railway safety regulations and maintenance, contributing to public outcry and renewed anger toward governmental leadership.
Despite the evident public dissent, the government remains firm on its stance, asserting it is pursuing investigations to seek justice for the victims. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the incident as resulting from "tragic human error" during the initial moments following the train crash. On the anniversary, he shared on social media his commitment to improving the railway system, writing, "That night, we saw the ugliest face of our nation reflected back at us." His call to action highlighted his acknowledgment of deep-rooted issues affecting public transport safety.
Nevertheless, many families and activists believe the response has been insufficient. Nikos Likomytros, another student expressing his frustration at the Parliament steps, echoed the collective ire, stressing, "Today, we must send a strong message to punish those responsible for this tragedy." A pervasive sentiment underlines the demand for governmental accountability, emphasizing the apparent lack of follow-up on the investigation, which critics argue has allowed for cover-ups and systemic evasion of responsibility.
The protests' scale, which spread to all corners of Greece—affecting over 200 cities—testified to widespread indignation not just about the train crash itself but about broader societal grievances. Demonstrators voiced their belief this incident exemplified enduring failures in public service management, where corruption and negligence surfaced as common threads linking various public sector issues.
Echoing these sentiments, musician Christos Main passionately stated, "This was not just an accident; it was murder. The government has done nothing to achieve justice!" His remarks highlight the surreal interplay between personal tragedy and collective injustice felt throughout the nation. While some cities hosted peaceful candlelight vigils, the overall tone remained one of defiance against governmental failures and pleas for accountability.
A strike of unprecedented scale affected activities across multiple sectors, forcing the closure of schools and banks and the suspension of flights, effectively signaling to the government the depth of public discontent. Even cultural venues, including theaters, shut down as a mark of respect for the lives lost during the tragic event. Unions for professions ranging from educators to medical workers took part, contributing to the collective voice of anger and sadness.
Students, some wearing black as symbols of mourning, vividly illustrated the impact of the tragedy, encompassing fears about their safety on public transport and expressing hope for changes to prevent future incidents. Many held black balloons aloft, releasing them during moments of silence as visual statements against negligence and loss.
Through this immense outpouring of grief and calls for justice, the Greek populace has transformed the anniversary of a horrific event from mere remembrance to fervent activism, demanding structural change to rectify longstanding issues. While the confrontation with police cast shadows on the demonstrations, the core message remained: "No more lives should be lost due to preventable failures."
Greece stands at a crossroads now, as the public continues to rally for accountability with renewed vigor and hope for reform—ensuring those responsible for the tragedy are brought to justice.