Greek government survives no-confidence vote amid mass protest outiside Parliament

The opposition parties PASOK, SYRIZA, New Left, Course of Freedom, and nine independent MPs had tabled the motion, which was ultimately defeated with 157 votes against and 136 in favour in a 293-member plenary session. Seven MPs were absent, including former PM Antonis Samaras.

Simultaneously, thousands of demonstrators filled Syntagma Square, demanding justice for the 57 victims of the 2023 Tempe tragedy. Organised by labour unions, federations, and student associations, the protest began with songs dedicated to the victims. The demonstration featured speeches from grieving parents, who condemned systemic failures prioritising profit over human life.

Railway workers, whose union had warned of safety issues before the tragedy, played a central role, reiterating their longstanding concerns about the state of Greece’s rail network. The demonstration culminated in a concert and declarations of continued mobilisation.

Before the protest, 13 preventive detentions took place around Syntagma. Following the demonstration, clashes broke out between protesters and authorities, leading to 61 detentions across Athens, of which 7 lead to arrests.

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