The government ministers are following the PM’s shift in stance, with Minister of Transport Christos Staikouras, in a televised interview on 30/01, also not ruling out the possibility that illegal cargo was being transported on the country’s railway network. This marks a departure from the government's earlier stance—prior to the forensic expert's Vasilis Kokotsakis report and the leaked audio recordings—when it was confident that such claims were mere conspiracy theories. Staikouras reiterated the PM’s position that if Hellenic Train is found responsible, it "will face criminal consequences," but he emphasized that "as of now, there is no such evidence."

“The role I have held for the past year and a half, which I believe we have carried out responsibly in the Greek Parliament, is to inform fellow MPs and the Greek society, through the Parliament, about what has been done to continuously improve transport safety,” the minister initially stated in his interview with SKAI TV, arguing that the Tempe case is for the judiciary to resolve. “The PM, with the candour that defines him, has spoken clearly about the role of the judiciary, emphasizing that we must wait for its ruling.”

When asked whether, as the head of the ministry, he has direct communication with Hellenic Train, he confirmed that he does, as both parties share the common goal of enhancing transport safety. “The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation has a responsibility within the National Authority for Railway Accident Investigation and Transport Safety (EDOSAAM). We not only assist in the investigation but also allocate additional resources. As for Hellenic Train, there has been no deviation from what has already been stated publicly: if found responsible, it will face criminal consequences. But at present, there is no such indication. The only official statement from them remains their response in Parliament on 3 March, 2023.” 

When asked if he could guarantee that illegal cargo isn’t being transported on the Greek railway, including on the day of the incident, he replied: “How could anyone guarantee that while a preliminary investigation is still ongoing?”

As to what steps have been taken to enhance transport safety, and whether the railway system is now secure, Mr Staikouras argued that technological systems have been integrated into the network. “We are continuously strengthening the system. Absolute safety in transport does not exist anywhere in the world. In Wales, on 21 October, 2024, a crash occurred despite operational technological safeguards. In Strasbourg, just a few weeks ago, another collision happened. What I mean to say is that the human factor is always a variable.”

Finally, he emphasized that a strategic action plan has been agreed upon with the EU, with the European Commission acknowledging “satisfactory progress.” “In December, we passed legislation to reorganize transport agencies, creating a specialized unified public body. For the first time in decades, we have secured €1.2 billion in funding to improve infrastructure,” he noted.

When asked whether he had considered resigning, he replied: “Why would I? Have I done anything that does not align with the effort to improve transport safety? 

“We took over the government in the summer of 2023 and have been implementing a plan agreed upon with the European Commission. We report to the Greek Parliament every six months, and there has been positive feedback from opposition MPs across party lines regarding the progress we have made over the past year and a half, despite the undeniable and longstanding challenges.”

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