Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in cities across Greece to mark the second anniversary of a tragic train collision that claimed 57 lives. The nationwide demonstrations, held in more than 300 cities and towns both in Greece and abroad, reflected public outrage over the government’s perceived inaction following the disaster. The crash, which involved a passenger train filled with students colliding with a freight train in central Greece, has become a symbol of institutional failure.

A massive peaceful march took place in Athens, where thousands walked towards the parliament building in a rare display of unity across political divides. Protesters carried black balloons and chanted, “You count profits.

We count lives,” as they paid tribute to the victims. While the vast majority of demonstrations remained peaceful, a small group of rioters clashed with police in the capital. Protesters distanced themselves from the violence, stressing that their focus remained on justice and remembrance.

Victims’ Families Lead Calls for Justice

The protests and a general strike were spearheaded by relatives of the 57 victims, who urged participants to focus on honoring the dead rather than engaging in political maneuvering. In Athens and Thessaloniki, large processions moved solemnly through the streets, with one participant describing the day as “the most important in our recent history.”

Critics argue that the Greek government must be held accountable for the failures that led to the crash in Tempe. So far, only railway officials have faced criminal charges, sparking widespread frustration.

“The full truth must come to light, and those responsible, no matter their position, must be held accountable,” said Yannis Panagopoulos, president of the General Confederation of Greek Workers, Greece’s largest labor union.

Transport employees intensified pressure on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s government by launching a 24-hour train strike, alongside nationwide strikes affecting air traffic control, ferries, and taxis. Many businesses in Athens also closed in solidarity, with shop owners leaving messages of support for the victims’ families in their windows.

Global Solidarity and Growing Political Fallout

Greek diaspora communities have also joined in the demonstrations. A silent protest was planned in Paris, with participants emphasizing their commitment to honoring the victims rather than engaging in political debates.

“For me, it’s wrong to politicize this,” one protester in Paris told MailOnline. “We are here to remember those who died and to demand justice, not to play party politics.”

Despite the widespread outrage, Greeks have been careful to separate the actions of rioters from the broader movement. Municipal worker Costas Reintzopoulos noted that the tragedy had reignited longstanding concerns over workplace safety, as 11 railway employees were among the dead.

“We don’t want to mourn more people who leave for work in the morning and never return,” he said.

Memorial services were held at Orthodox churches throughout Athens, with the victims’ families emphasizing remembrance over political debates.

“This day is one of remembrance, respect, and reflection,” said a statement from an association representing the families. “It is dedicated to those who were unjustly lost, to the grieving families, and to the pursuit of justice that remains unresolved.”

However, the protests have placed Mitsotakis’s government in a precarious political position. While his conservative party maintains a strong lead in the polls, public anger over the Tempe disaster has fueled support for anti-establishment parties across the political spectrum. Opposition leaders are considering a censure motion against the government, further complicating the situation.

Allegations of Government Interference and Investigative Findings

Fury has been further stoked by allegations that the government interfered with the crash investigation. Protesters accuse authorities of removing debris from the scene shortly after the disaster, destroying crucial evidence. A long-awaited investigative report released Thursday blamed the crash on human error, outdated infrastructure, and systemic failures within the Greek railway system.

The immediate aftermath of the crash was marked by horror, with surviving passengers describing the devastation: derailed carriages, raging fires, and shattered windows. The grim recovery effort involved identifying victims who had been severely burned or dismembered in the wreckage.

Funerals were held across the country, many of which were broadcast live, turning personal grief into a shared national tragedy.

Maria Karystianou, whose 21-year-old daughter Maria-Thomai perished in the crash, has since become a leading voice in demanding accountability. Addressing a crowd outside parliament, she thanked unions and associations that joined the protests, including doctors, lawyers, and judges who held a moment of silence in courts.

“For those of us who had our children and loved ones on that train, a part of us remains with them and will never return,” she said. “The unrelenting pain and the unimaginable reality are with us forever.”

Pointing to the vast crowds gathered in protest, she added, “This is for you, my girl, and for all of those who never made it.”

Looking Ahead

As Greece continues to grapple with the fallout of the Tempe disaster, calls for justice and accountability are unlikely to fade. With the government under increasing pressure to address systemic failures, the legacy of this tragedy will undoubtedly shape the country’s political landscape for years to come.

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