Greece marks the solemn second anniversary of the Tempi rail disaster today with nationwide protests and a general strike, as families and citizens demand justice for the 57 lives lost in one of the country’s worst transportation accidents.
As of yesterday, 383 gatherings had been announced, with 262 planned across Greece and 121 internationally.
The demonstrations reflect ongoing public frustration with the pace of the investigation and calls for accountability in the railway disaster that occurred on February 28, 2023.
In Athens, the focal point of protests is Syntagma Square, where demonstrators will gather at 11:00 am.
Greek transport workers have joined a 24-hour strike, leaving ships docked, trains halted, and many flights grounded.
Public services, healthcare facilities, schools, cultural institutions, and many restaurants will also remain closed or operate with limited staff.
“This isn’t just about remembrance—it’s about demanding systemic change and accountability,” said a representative from one of the organizing groups.
Cyprus is holding solidarity events across all major cities. In Nicosia, citizens will gather at Eleftheria Square at 5:00 pm, while simultaneous events will take place in Paphos at Town Hall Square and in Larnaca at Europe Square. Limassol’s demonstration is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
Various organisations, political parties and student associations have called for widespread participation in these events, emphasising the connection many Cypriots feel to the tragedy.
In Athens, the Syntagma and University metro stations will remain closed due to the demonstrations.
While buses and trolleys will not operate throughout the day, the metro, electric railway, and tram will run limited services between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm to facilitate protest attendance. Taxi drivers, despite joining the strike, have offered to transport demonstrators to the rallies free of charge.
Security measures have been substantially increased, with over 6,000 police officers deployed throughout Athens. Authorities are utilising drone surveillance and have arranged for a significant presence of prosecutors to respond to any incidents.
The anniversary comes as the judicial investigation continues into the causes of the head-on collision between a passenger and freight train near Tempi Valley in central Greece, with families of victims and protesters expressing frustration at what they perceive as delayed justice.
The train disaster in Tempi
On February 28, 2023, a train collision occurred near Tempi, Greece, resulting in 57 fatalities and numerous injuries. The incident involved a passenger train traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki and a freight train on the same track, leading to a head-on collision. The majority of the victims were university students returning from a holiday weekend.
Investigations into the disaster identified critical safety lapses within Greece’s railway infrastructure. A report by the Hellenic Air and Rail Accident Investigation Authority (HARSIA) highlighted that the collision was primarily due to human error by the Larissa station master, who manually set the train’s route incorrectly. Additionally, the report pointed to outdated infrastructure, incomplete modernisation projects, and insufficient safety systems as contributing factors. The absence of automated signaling and train protection systems, such as the European Train Control System (ETCS), left the network vulnerable to such tragedies.
Critiques of the Tempi train disaster have primarily focused on the consequences of neoliberal policies, particularly the privatisation of Greece’s railway system. Critics argue that the transfer of public assets to private entities, driven by austerity measures and neoliberal economic reforms, has led to underinvestment in infrastructure and compromised safety standards.
Following the tragedy, progressive groups, including workers’ and student organisations, expressed outrage over the deteriorating state of the country’s railways. Demonstrations highlighted how austerity-driven policies and privatisation had exacerbated systemic issues, leading to negligence and a lack of accountability. Protesters described the incident as a “predetermined crime with causes and culprits,” emphasising the role of neoliberal reforms in undermining public safety.
Mass protests and strikes have been organised, with citizens demanding accountability and comprehensive reforms to prevent future incidents. On the second anniversary of the disaster, widespread demonstrations and a general strike brought the country to a standstill.
Research conducted by Eteron, an institute for research and social change, revealed that a significant portion of the youth population holds neoliberal policies responsible for the disaster. The study found that 38.3% of young respondents favored the re-nationalisation of all passenger services, indicating a lack of confidence in privatized management of essential services.
Read more:
