The Tempi tragedy, which in February 2023 claimed the lives of 57 people, remains an open wound for Greek society. Greece rises against a failing state in the wake of the Tempi tragedy. Last Sunday, rallies erupted across Greece and in cities abroad, reflecting the deep-seated anger and frustration of citizens who refuse to accept the indifference and negligence of their government.
The families of the victims, trade unions, and countless citizens are demanding justice, accountability, and a transparent investigation into a tragedy that could—and should—have been avoided.
The central gathering in Athens, at Syntagma Square, became the heart of the protest. Thousands of people, many holding banners and painting the names of the 57 victims in red across the square, sent a resounding message to the authorities: “We have no oxygen.” This slogan echoed the collective feeling that Greek society will no longer tolerate the systemic failures, cover-ups, and lack of accountability that have become hallmarks of the current administration. Despite incidents involving masked individuals clashing with riot police, the sheer scale of the protest underscored the public’s determination to be heard.
The rally was attended by prominent political figures, including Nikos Androulakis of PASOK, Socrates Famellos of SYRIZA, Zoe Konstantopoulou of Plefsi Eleftherias, and Alexis Haritsis of the New Left. Representatives of civil society, such as Magda Fyssa and Giorgos Dalaras, also joined to show solidarity with the victims’ families. Their presence highlighted the cross-political and societal unity in demanding justice
In cities like Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Volos, and Larissa, the protests were equally impassioned. In Thessaloniki, the mother of one of the victims stood among the crowd, her voice trembling as she called for “justice for all children” and a future where young people can live “a just life.” Her words resonated deeply, as citizens across the country demanded accountability and rejected any attempt to obscure the truth behind the tragedy.
A system in crisis
The Tempi tragedy is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a deeper malaise within the Greek state. The rallying cry of “We have no oxygen” is not just about the train crash; it is a metaphor for a society suffocating under the weight of systemic corruption, negligence, and a political system that has long ceased to serve its people. The Greek government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has repeatedly failed to address the structural issues that enable such disasters to occur. From the wildfires in Mati to the train crash in Tempi, the pattern is clear: a state that prioritises profit and political expediency over the safety and well-being of its citizen
The protests are not just about Tempi; they are about the soul of Greece. Something has stirred the Greek people—something profound and unignorable. The rallies evoked historic moments of collective outrage, where the silent cry of “Enough is enough” became a deafening roar. Citizens from all walks of life—young and old, left and right—came together to demand change. Children held handmade signs demanding justice, while elderly individuals, some leaning on canes, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their fellow citizens. This was not a partisan movement but a unified cry for accountability and reform.
A government out of touch
The Mitsotakis administration, however, appears deaf to these cries. The prime minister, wielding near-dictatorial powers, has shown little willingness to address the systemic failures that led to the Tempi tragedy. Instead, the government has sought to deflect blame, downplay the protests, and maintain its grip on power. The media, largely controlled by oligarchic interests, has failed to adequately cover the rallies, further alienating the public and deepening the sense of injustice.
The parallels to past tragedies, such as the Mati wildfires, are impossible to ignore. Each disaster reveals the same pattern: a state that is unwilling or unable to protect its citizens, followed by a government that prioritises damage control over genuine accountability. The Greek people are no longer willing to accept this status quo. The protests are a clear message to the government: the time for change is now.
A global outcry
The Tempi tragedy has transcended national borders, sparking protests in over 100 cities worldwide, including Brussels, Amsterdam, and Malta. The international community has joined the Greek people in demanding justice, highlighting the global significance of this case. Justice for the victims of Tempi is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative. The world is watching, and the Greek government cannot afford to ignore the growing chorus of voices calling for accountability.
The path forward
The Greek people have made their demands clear: a prompt, transparent investigation into the Tempi tragedy, accountability for those responsible, and systemic reforms to prevent future disasters. The government must listen—not just to the voices of the protesters but to the collective conscience of a nation that has endured too much for too long
The rallies are not just about the past; they are about the future. They are about ensuring that no more lives are lost to negligence, corruption, or indifference. They are about reclaiming the soul of Greece from a political system that has failed its people time and time again.
The dawn of tomorrow concerns all of us. The question is: will the Greek government rise to the occasion, or will it continue to suffocate its people? The answer lies in its willingness to act—not with words, but with deeds. The Greek people have spoken. The world is watching. The time for justice is now.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis attempted to repair his and his government’s image regarding the Tempe tragedy but failed. Initially, he claimed the train carried no flammable materials, but later admitted uncertainty, stating, “I no longer have any certainty about the cargo.” He also criticized the parliamentary inquiry into contract 717, calling it “not the best moment for the Parliament.”
However, critics argue that parliamentary inquiries under his leadership, such as those into the Petsas list and wiretapping scandal, have been partisan and ineffective. Despite public outcry, Mitsotakis left open the possibility of a Preliminary Inquiry Committee, raising questions about its credibility given his party’s track record.
In a recent interview, Mitsotakis expressed a desire for justice, stating, “I want to know the truth about Tempe—first me, after the victims’ families.” Yet, his answers lacked conviction, deepening public skepticism. Critics note that trust in Greek justice is low, with ongoing scandals like Tempe, wiretapping, and the Pylos tragedy fueling discontent.
When questioned about the train’s cargo, Mitsotakis shifted from certainty to ambiguity, claiming he relied on initial reports from the Fire Department and Hellenic Train. He also deflected responsibility, saying accountability would fall on Hellenic Train if wrongdoing was proven. However, his failure to address key issues—such as the role of officials like Triantopoulos and Karamanlis, or the withholding of forensic reports—has drawn sharp criticism.
His handling of the cleanup operation further raised eyebrows. Mitsotakis claimed his “primary concern was identifying the remains,” but this has been seen as an attempt to deflect blame. His repeated references to feeling the pain of the victims’ families “as a father” have been dismissed as insincere, especially after the massive protest on January 26, where tens of thousands demanded accountability.
Ultimately, Mitsotakis’ attempts to manage the narrative have backfired, leaving his credibility further damaged and the public increasingly disillusioned.
