The Greek government has been forced to modify its narrative after the spontaneous mass protests over the Tempi train disaster in over 100 cities across Greece and 13 cities abroad on Sunday as well as the strong suspicion that the freighter train was illegally transporting flammable substances causing an explosion responsible for the death of at least 30 out of 57 in total people.
Thousands of protesters have accused the government of inexcusable delays in investigation and efforts to cover up still two years after the tragedy on February 28,2023.
The government narrative that “the train did not carry any flammable substances” has derailed and on Wednesday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis admitted that he made a mistake when he claimed on March 21, that is 21 days after the train crash.
In an interview with Alpha TV. Mitsotakis said that he said based on the available information he had at the time. Mitsotakis stressed:
“If you ask me whether I regret my statement or if I was mistaken, I will say it clearly: with what I know today, I obviously would not have said what I did back then,” Mitsotakis said.
He added that his statement he maid in March 2023 was based on assurances from the Fire Department and Hellenic Train. He added that his stance has since changed, as new evidence has emerged.
“All possibilities are open, so I, too, am awaiting answers,” he said, adding that he had no reason to provide cover for anyone.
At least two reports by experts hired by the victims’ families invehave come to the conclusion that the explosion was not caused by the oil of the train engine after the crash but they could not verify what substance has caused it. A report under preparation by experts of the Polytechnic University is to be released soon (?).
“If it is proven [that there was something suspicious on the train], the Hellenic Train, which holds responsibility, must be held accountable, both legally, though that is not my role, and politically because it assured not only me but also the Greek Parliament,” the PM told Alpha TV.
“So, if you ask me whether I regret my statement or if I was mistaken, I will say it clearly: with what I know today, I obviously would not have said what I did back then,” Mitsotakis said.
Commenting on the mass protests on Sunday, Mitsotakis noted “Citizens demand the truth, justice, and assurances that such a tragedy will never happen again,” adding that the leaked audio recordings socked the Greek society.
You see, protests works!
right. we saw it in Serbia.
It is something for the long haul. Protests are still ongoing. The PM resigned but he is just the fall guy.
You can also give up and sit in a corner, moaning about unfair everything is. I understand the apathy and defeatist. But that’s certainly not going to help.
If you think you can, you can. If you think you cannot, you are right.