The Hellenic Parliament’s special inquiry committee into former Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis opened its first session today under accusations of political orchestration, as the government appears determined to fast-track the process surrounding the deadly Tempi train disaster of February 28, 2023.
The committee, formally tasked with investigating whether Karamanlis committed misconduct in office by failing to implement railway safety measures that may have prevented the tragedy, is expected to operate in name only. Government sources suggest that despite a formal two-month mandate, the committee will likely conclude its work prematurely and refer the matter directly to the Judicial Council, without substantial evidence review or witness hearings.
This approach mirrors the recent case of former Deputy Minister Christos Triantopoulos and follows a signal from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who has advocated for a constitutional overhaul of ministerial immunity laws—calling for judicial, not parliamentary, assessment of alleged criminal acts by political figures.
Today’s session includes electing the committee’s president, expected to be New Democracy MP Stavros Keletsis. The 26-member body comprises MPs from all parties, but with the government holding the majority, the outcome is widely considered a foregone conclusion.
Opposition lawmakers have strongly criticized the process, arguing it undermines democratic accountability and bypasses the necessary scrutiny of high-level negligence. There is a strong possibility that Karamanlis will simply submit a written statement instead of appearing in person.
The committee’s findings are due in early July, with a parliamentary vote expected before July 20. However, critics warn that the current trajectory points to political shielding rather than impartial justice.
The fast-paced nature of the inquiry, despite its tragic context, raises serious questions about the institutional handling of political responsibility and public transparency in the aftermath of Greece’s deadliest rail disaster.
