In a provocative post marking the second anniversary of the Tempe tragedy, Kyriakos Mitsotakis referred to "human errors" and "chronic failings of the state" but failed to take any responsibility for his government’s role. Despite attempting to appear unifying by speaking to both the protesters and those quietly commemorating the victims, he once again targeted the opposition, accusing them of "political exploitation of human suffering."

The Prime Minister’s full post:

“Two years have passed since the night of 28 February, 2023, a night that will forever remain etched in our collective memory due to the Tempe tragedy. Our thoughts are with the families of the 57 victims, the injured, and those who survived the disaster, who will carry this memory with them forever. That night, we saw the darkest side of our country reflected back at us. Unavoidable human errors, combined with the state’s deep-rooted shortcomings, violently shattered our sense of certainty. Nothing will ever be the same again. This highlights the enormity of the challenge we face in overcoming the ‘deep state’ of the past.

All Greeks share in this grief, united by a common demand for truth and justice. A moral redemption that can only be delivered by an independent judiciary, free from the political exploitation of human suffering. It is a call for a country that seeks security, consistency, and progress.

This is why the majority of citizens, whether protesting or quietly commemorating the Tempe victims, I believe, share the same view: a tragedy that has deeply hurt us should not become a tool for others to undermine national unity or derail the steady course toward a better future.

For the government, this is a heavy responsibility: to act decisively and swiftly to implement reforms that will lead to modern, safe trains, more effective public services, and an improved daily life for all. This is our pledge.”

Read the timeline of the Tempe case here

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