Public demand for justice, transparency, and accountability in the Tempi Tragedy pushes Mitsotakis towards early elections. Growing louder, public demand is expected to be voiced so powerfully during the upcoming demonstrations that it will be impossible for the government to ignore.
The Mitsotakis administration finds itself in a precarious position amid continuous revelations about the Tempi incident, as citizens prepare for mass protests on February 28th, marking two years since the tragic train accident.
This unprecedented wave of public mobilisation is precisely what the government fears, knowing that, in the absence of effective parliamentary opposition, only a united social movement could bring down the Mitsotakis administration at this critical moment.
Public turnout—particularly in Athens—is expected to be so impactful that it could reshape the political landscape, both before and after the protests. The demand for justice and full disclosure regarding the Tempi incident is anticipated to be so forceful that it will no longer be possible to overlook.
Managing the Crisis of Defeat
Facing mounting pressure and a steady decline in public support, the Mitsotakis government is left with few options other than managing its political decline.
With New Democracy’s approval ratings in free fall, the prospect of a political victory or stability for Kyriakos Mitsotakis appears increasingly unlikely. Attempts at damage control, such as cabinet reshuffles, are likely to be seen by the public as superficial measures, further intensifying public frustration.
Consequently, two main strategies are being considered by the government: either seeking a vote of confidence in Parliament or calling for early elections to renew its public mandate.
Growing Calls for Early Elections – The Role of the Opposition
Despite internal debates, the prevailing sentiment within the government is that calling early elections is the only way to defuse public anger over the Tempi scandal and offer Mitsotakis a political exit strategy.
The government fears that a slow and “agonising” erosion of its credibility, with the Tempi incident lingering in the political spotlight without resolution until 2027, could irreparably damage Mitsotakis’s political career. The reality is that the Governments demise will be rapid.
Additionally, the government sees a strategic opportunity as long as the opposition remains fragmented and lacks a cohesive plan. However, with the political landscape in flux and new anti-establishment movements emerging, this window of opportunity may close rapidly.
International Pressure Mounts on Mitsotakis
Adding to the pressure is the shifting international context, with both the US and Russia now viewing Mitsotakis as closely aligned with the Franco-German axis.
His past criticisms of Donald Trump and Greece’s unwavering support for Ukraine are also not playing well in Washington.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the Mitsotakis administration is under pressure from multiple fronts, and the only viable political strategy to avoid an irreversible decline may be to call early elections in Spring 2025.
