Greece has been recognized as one of the world’s 25 "full democracies" according to the latest annual Democracy Index released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), with the country scoring 8.07 points out of 10, placing it 25th globally. This score reflects the nation’s political stability and rights protection but is overshadowed by the recent protests stemming from the tragic Tempi train crash.
The EIU's report this week revealed its Democracy Index, indicating the Nordic countries dominated the ranking yet again, with Norway maintaining the top position. Meanwhile, Greece's recognition as a full democracy provides another layer of complexity amid the rising public outcry over accountability following the train disaster.
On February 28, 2025, tens of thousands of Greek citizens gathered at Syntagma Square, Athens, marking the two-year anniversary of the Tempi train crash which resulted from long-standing systemic issues within Greece’s rail system, causing the deaths of 57 individuals. The protests, driven by anger and frustration, spotlighted the perceived failures of both the political and justice systems to provide answers or closure.
Among the protesters, one woman expressed her anger, stating, "I am enraged. Very very enraged," without disclosing her name. Many echoed similar frustrations, feeling as though they were being mocked by those in power amid unresolved investigations. The sentiment of betrayal and lack of accountability was palpable as protestors shared their grief publicly.
Parents of the deceased played pivotal roles during the protests, voicing their anguish and pushing for justice. One mother, Roi, held aloft a photograph of her daughter Kyriaki and gathered the crowd's attention. "I do not belong to any party. I am not interested in any party. I am only interested in the future of my children," she declared, emphasizing her focus on the failings of the justice system rather than political affiliations.
Many expressed frustration about the parliamentary immunity laws, with Roi questioning, "I don’t understand why there should be parliamentary immunity when someone is responsible for crimes, for thefts of money, for murders; why should there be parliamentary immunity?" Her poignant remark raised awareness of the perceived lack of accountability among officials.
Younger participants also shared their views, highlighting the shared vulnerability felt throughout the country. “We easily could have been in their position, or they could have been in ours,” said Eleutheria, one of many students gathered to show their solidarity. Another student, Manis, articulated the collective frustration: "It can’t be permitted for officials to just cover each other." This call for transparency and justice underlined the urgency of their demands.
Accompanying them was Alexandra, a teacher who organized her school to close for the protest. "We are not holding a memorial service today, today we are shouting, the people have come out, the great river of people has come out," she stated passionately. Alexandra’s words encapsulated the collective spirit of resistance among the demonstrators, indicating the depth of feelings provoked by the government’s handling of the tragedy.
The juxtaposition of Greece’s standing as one of the 25 full democracies against the backdrop of widespread public dissatisfaction exemplifies the challenges this nation faces. While the EIU highlights Greece's democratic progress, the protests reveal cracks within the system — frustrations with accountability persist, punctuating the need for systemic change to restore hope and trust among its citizens.
With the protests reverberated through Syntagma Square, many participants held tightly to their demands for justice, hoping their voices could finally compel the government to act and address the wounds left by the Tempi tragedy. Their declarations were not just about the past but rather a vehement call for a future where accountability prevails.
It’s clear now more than ever, the people of Greece are on the frontlines, advocating for change within their political system. The protest served as both tribute to the lost lives of the Tempi train crash victims and a hopeful pledge for the future of their country — one determined to do justice for those it has lost.