Mass protests in Greece mark second anniversary of deadly Tempi train crash

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across Greece, demanding justice on the second anniversary of the Tempi train disaster, which killed 57 people and left dozens injured.

Nationwide strikes have severely disrupted transportation and public services. All international and domestic flights were grounded, rail services canceled, ferries halted, and public transportation affected. Workers across multiple sectors, including train drivers, doctors, lawyers, and teachers, joined a 24-hour general strike to honor the victims.

A recent inquiry found that the safety failures leading to the disaster remain unaddressed. Meanwhile, a separate judicial investigation is still incomplete, and no one has been convicted for the crash. The lack of accountability has fueled public frustration, with many demanding systemic change.

“We will not stop fighting until all political and criminal liability is attributed to everyone responsible for this crime,” said 21-year-old protesting student Harris Bon. “We will continue until we see the end of these policies that cause new crimes like the one at Tempi.”

Workers also voiced concerns over unsafe conditions across industries. “We want to send a message to the government and employers that we will not tolerate going to work without knowing if we’ll make it home alive,” said Giorgos Stefanakis, 40, a protesting worker.

With tensions rising, authorities have deployed over 5,000 police officers in Athens to manage crowds and prevent potential unrest. The protests have put Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government under increasing pressure, as victims' families continue to criticize its refusal to launch a parliamentary inquiry into political responsibility.

The government denies any wrongdoing, insisting that the judiciary alone is responsible for investigating the disaster.

Tags

Greece Athens Protests News Politics