Karystianou began her address by recounting the events of 19 months ago, when a train collision in Tempi, Greece, claimed 57 lives and left around 180 injured. She described the “systematic and methodical obsolescence” of Greece’s railway system, pointing out that despite frequent EU funding, the country’s infrastructure is still unable to guarantee safe travel for its citizens.

She referenced efforts by European Prosecutor Laura Kövesi, who has been investigating the long delays in implementing the EU-funded 717 contract, which was meant to improve rail safety systems. “Recently, the European prosecutor found criminal acts against two former transport ministers due to the chronic delay in completing this project. This delay endangered the financial interests of the European Union. Yet, despite the findings, the matter was referred to Greek authorities, and Kövesi has noted the challenges posed by immunity laws that protect members of the government under Greece’s outdated constitution,” Karystianou explained.

Karystianou noted that Kövesi reiterated these points before the European Parliament’s LIBE Committee on 30 September, highlighting that immunity laws in Greece have served as a shield for ministers, preventing accountability. She also criticised the appointment of Greece’s highest judicial officials by the government, which she argued often leads to the dismissal of cases involving political figures.

Tempe, she stressed, is not just a legal issue but also a question of justice. Karystianou emphasised the role of government interference in hindering investigations into the crash, particularly the explosion that followed, which killed 30 people. “We now know the explosion was caused by illegally transported flammable materials. Why would a government destroy vital evidence? This government is clearly involved in both the crash and the subsequent cover-up,” she stated.

Karystianou also questioned Tzitzikostas’ qualifications for the role: “How can Mr. Tzitzikostas, a senior member of the government and of the European People’s Party, be considered for such a critical position, given the government’s attempts to cover up the crime?”

Concluding her address, Karystianou argued that the Tempe disaster is not a partisan issue but one of fundamental rights, including the right to life and safe transport. She urged the European Parliament not to let this crime go unpunished, as the rule of law in Greece “is not functioning.”

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