Tempi Demonstration 2025

On January 26, 2025, tens of thousands of Greeks gathered outside the parliament in Athens to demand justice for the 57 victims of the February 28, 2023, train collision near Tempi. Protesters held banners reading "We won't forget" and "I have no oxygen," echoing a victim's last words during a distress call. Similar demonstrations occurred in over 100 cities across Greece and abroad, marking one of the largest nationwide protests in recent years.
The 2023 disaster, involving a head-on collision between a freight train and a passenger train, had previously ignited widespread protests over alleged neglect of the rail network. Nearly two years later, a judicial investigation remains ongoing, with no individuals held accountable, fueling public frustration. Recent audio evidence suggesting that some victims survived the initial impact but succumbed to asphyxiation or burns has intensified calls for transparency and accountability.
The government's recent nomination of former parliament speaker Constantine Tassoulas as president has further angered victims' relatives, who argue that under his leadership, lawmakers failed to investigate political responsibilities related to the crash. Despite government pledges to reform the rail system, progress has been slow, exacerbating public dissatisfaction.
These demonstrations underscore the enduring impact of the Tempi train disaster on Greek society and the persistent demand for justice and systemic reforms to prevent future tragedies.

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