PM reflects on Tempe tragedy and public demands for justice

“I stand before Parliament today to reaffirm our government’s commitment to truth and justice. I am also here because I feel it is important to briefly address the wave of fake news that is clouding people’s judgment. I want to highlight the danger of our political life descending into a mire of doubt—doubt about everyone and everything.”

He continued, “The collective voice of last Friday’s protests is still echoing across Greek society. As I mentioned just a few days ago, hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens took to the streets and squares. We can all agree, at least on the fundamentals. On what they asked for, above all: truth and justice. And at the same time, justice for the victims. They also called for what should be self-evident: safe and modern transportation system, along with a state that is capable of protecting its citizens. Of course, there is doubt. We are a democracy.”

Mitsotakis: Protests demand progress, not government overthrow

He also interpreted that, on one hand, “there were protesters calling for the government to fall,” but on the other hand, “I believe that the vast majority of those who protested had the opposite demand: for Greece to rise higher. At least, that’s what I heard from the hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens who filled the streets and squares, far removed from the efforts of some to exploit them politically.

PM defends Parliament President over case file allegations

At another point, he addressed the “myth” that Mr. Tasoulas had hidden the Tempe case file, saying, “Everyone knows that anything that reaches Parliament is made available to the MPs. You can’t keep accusing him with such lies; he is the elected President of the Republic, whether you like it or not.” This comment sparked reactions regarding the election of Konstantinos Tasoulas, which was solely carried out by New Democracy and led to strong opposition from the Tempe victims’ families Association.

“EODASAAM report debunks cover-up theories”

Regarding the EODASAAM report, he said, “I wouldn’t describe it as flattering for the government. It highlights significant weaknesses that we need to address and correct. However, this report supports the view that on that tragic night of 28 February, 2023, human errors sadly collided with the state’s long-standing shortcomings. Do you remember how much criticism this exact statement of mine caused when I first made it?”

He also stated:

“This disproves the unfounded and, I’ll say it again, personally very insulting theory of a supposed cover-up, which is being systematically promoted by the opposition and, from what I understand, will likely be one of the key arguments in the forthcoming vote of no confidence.”

Challenging the opposition’s narrative

He further challenged the opposition, saying, “I would like to hear from the party leaders if they accept, in principle, this text. If they agree that it is an objective text, which we must accept in its entirety,” with opposition MPs reacting strongly.

At one point, addressing the President of Course of Freedom, Zoi Konstantopoulou, who was responding to him, he mocked :

“I read that today is the anniversary of Stalin’s death and you don’t need to honor him in this way,” 

“Obviously, political dialogue will continue, which is why the government majority agreed to the establishment of a preliminary inquiry for Mr. Triantopoulos. We may consider the charges against Triantopoulos unfounded, but we have no reason not to approach this development with the seriousness it requires,”

“We respected the pain of the relatives and avoided charging the public dialogue,” he claimed and added, “and yes, I have no difficulty saying that we did not convince the society that the restoration of the trains was our top priority.”

Adressing “misinformation” surrounding the Tempe tragedy

“I have described in detail, I believe, the distortions surrounding the Tempe tragedy. I have responded to a series of supposed news reports that increased the confusion around what really happened. I pointed out the most important danger, which is that this tragedy, in this climate, could lose its way towards catharsis and become the center of another political rivalry. And yes, I want to repeat and I want to place this discussion in the broader context of international developments and the massive upheavals,” he noted.

Government’s rail reform plan: Focus on modernisation

“Keep two central government priorities in mind. The first concerns our ability to acquire modern trains for the country, at least on the main line from Athens to Thessaloniki, by 2027, to essentially renew the rolling stock we have today. The second priority concerns how Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) will support the infrastructure. The solution we favor is the solution of an intergovernmental agreement with a significant foreign organization with substantial experience, which, for a long time, will take on the responsibility through such an agreement to support OSE in maintaining and upgrading the network,” he announced New Democracy’s proposal without further elaboration.

Mitsotakis predicts victory, challenges opposition on motion of no confidence

“We will win,” he repeated with emphasis and added, “because we owe this, not only to the citizens who trusted us but, more importantly, to a new generation, which rightfully asks us to do more to make Greece better. And I conclude by waiting for the opposition’s stance. Mr President, I have been in Parliament for many years, but for the first time, I see a motion of no confidence being circulated without even having been officially submitted. I imagine that, at some point, you will be able to coordinate among yourselves,” he commented meaningfully and addressed the President of PASOK, saying, “Mr. Androulakis, align fully with your friends on the left side of your political spectrum, and therefore submit this motion of no confidence, so we can talk about all the things we’ve done.”

“I have a duty, first and foremost, to keep the country safe and stable in this uncertain environment. We will move forward, therefore. We will achieve what we have committed to. A milestone in this journey will be the coming days, so come, finally, submit the motion of no confidence and see if the government enjoys the confidence of Parliament,” he once again challenged the progressive opposition.

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