Greek lawmakers participate in a session marking the third anniversary of Greece’s deadliest train accident, on February, 27, 2026. [Nikos Halkiopoulos]
Three years after the rail disaster in Tempe, it remains a deep wound in Greek society, reigniting tensions across political and social life as the country marks the somber anniversary.
During a special session in Parliament on Friday, opposition parties directly accused the government of bearing responsibility both for the crash and for what they described as efforts to cover up accountability. Fewer than half of lawmakers were present at the midday session commemorating the anniversary of the deadly accident.
Representing the governing majority, Social Cohesion and Family Affairs Minister Domna Michailidou and lawmaker Angeliki Delikari said that “the demand for truth and justice is universal,” while stressing that “we must remain united” and avoid the “instrumentalization of the tragedy by any side.”
Main opposition PASOK, through Pavlos Geroulanos, adopted a milder tone, emphasizing that “the state must at least do its job,” and adding that “care and humility are needed from all of us.”
At the same time, reactions emerged from relatives of victims over a video released by Maria Karystianou, an activist who became a leading public figure after the February 28, 2023, train disaster, which killed 57 people, including her daughter.
In the video, Karystianou, who is forming a new political party, calls on the public to participate in Saturday’s large rally in Athens. The video includes audio documents from the fatal night, camera footage and dramatized depictions recreating the events.
Pavlos Aslanidis, the newly elected president of the Tempe victims’ association, said it was a mistake to release the video, which “includes harsh images and children’s voices, and shocked many relatives of victims.”
Earlier, Katerina Voutsina, sister of a victim, wrote in a social media post: “The murder of my brother has no place in a political spot or any reference in every aspect of your public dialogue, as you are a politician. I hope to be heard. Otherwise, I will take legal action. Thank you.”
Mobilizations are planned nationwide Saturday, with gatherings scheduled in Athens, Thessaloniki, Iraklio, Patra, Hania, Larissa, Volos and Grevena, among others. The main rally is set for noon at Syntagma Square, with pre-rallies beginning an hour earlier. Extensive traffic regulations are expected from early in the day.
The stoppages are expected to disrupt key services. The country’s main seafarers’ union, Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO), has called a strike, halting ferry services from ports nationwide. Rail workers also announced a walkout, meaning no trains will operate. Theaters are expected to remain closed throughout the day.
In Athens, buses and trams will run on a limited schedule from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., mainly to help people attend demonstrations.
Metro Line 1 (green) will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Lines 2 (red) and 3 (blue) will operate from 9 a.m. throughout the day, including the regular Saturday night services and services to and from Athens Airport.