Tempe case sparks Parliamentary Investigative Committee with overwhelming support as opposition demands resignations

Parliament overwhelmingly approves the Investigative Committee

The proposal was backed by New Democracy (ND), PASOK, SYRIZA, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Greek Solution, New Left, and Corse of Freedom. The Spartans abstained, while Democratic Patriotic Popular Movement “Niki” voted against. According to Greek state broadcaster ERT, the committee will be formed in the coming days, consisting of 27 members—14 from ND and the remaining 13 allocated proportionally among opposition parties. The investigation is expected to last two months, with the possibility of a one-month extension if necessary.

Tempe victims’ families demand broader inquiry in legal notice to Parliament

During the parliamentary debate, Maria Karystianou, president of Association of Tempe victims’ families, revealed on social media that she, along with fellow bereaved parent Pavlos Aslanidis, had sent a formal legal notice to the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis. The notice criticised Parliament for addressing only isolated acts of misconduct by Triantopoulos, rather than the broader accusations against ministers and the PM.

Triantopoulos resigns amid cover-up allegations

Meanwhile, Christos Triantopoulos announced his resignation as Deputy Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, defending himself against claims of a cover-up.

“My presence at the site days after the disaster, with speculative interpretations of my motives, is being used for political expediency,” he argued.

Papageorgiou’s resigns, facing legal action

Earlier, General Secretary for Civil Protection Vasilis Papageorgiou also resigned, citing political responsibility. He stated that he stepped down to facilitate the judicial investigation, asserting that he bore no responsibility for operational actions or omissions related to the disaster. He is facing legal action over the alleged tampering of the crash site.

Government defends the investigation proposal but preemptively exonerates Triantopoulos

While the ruling party supported the inquiry, it was clear from the outset that it intended to exonerate Triantopoulos. ND MP Vasilis Vasileiadis stated that the party was backing the committee “to ensure no aspect remains unexplored” but denied allegations of a government cover-up. “The evidence shows there was no misconduct,” he insisted, effectively pre-empting the inquiry’s findings.

Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis also intervened, accusing the opposition of distorting his previous remarks. Referring to his controversial statement that “claims of tampering are complete rubbish,” he argued he had been referring to politicians, not victims’ families. He branded opposition leaders—except for Kyriakos Velopoulos of Greek Solution—as “cowards” and insisted that he had supported the judicial investigation.

Opposition parties ramp up criticism of government’s response

Throughout the debate, opposition parties SYRIZA, KKE, and New Left strongly criticised the government’s handling of the Tempe disaster and its aftermath. SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos called the government “delegitimised” and demanded that PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis resign.

“You were pressured into voting for the investigation committee, and this is a major defeat for Mr. Mitsotakis, directly contradicting what he had said about the cover-up and the responsibilities of government members.”

KKE General Secretary Dimitris Koutsoumpas argued that the inquiry was not driven by PASOK’s initiative but by public outrage.

“It is not PASOK that has cornered you, but this proud people and their children,” he declared

New Left leader Alexis Charitsis stated:

“You have lost the confidence of society. The people no longer trust you, and the only course of action left for Mr Mitsotakis is to resign.”

PASOK pushes for accountability—motion of no confidence

PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis warned that the inquiry was just the beginning.

“Today, a preliminary investigation; tomorrow, a motion of no confidence,” he said.

He described the vote of no-confidence as “a public demand against political dishonesty and impunity,” accusing ND of shielding its members from accountability.

Zoi Konstantopoulou, leader of Course of Freedom, alleged that the cover-up had started “from day one” and was orchestrated by PM Mitsotakis. She demanded the lifting of confidentiality on the communications of Mitsotakis, Triantopoulos, and key officials involved on the night of the disaster.

Today, PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis is officially submitting a motion of no confidence against the government, citing the EODASAAM report. PASOK is seeking support from other opposition parties. At least 50 signatures are required to file the motion (PASOK has 32 MPs). When submitted, the debate will begin within two days and can last up to three days, followed by a vote requiring an absolute majority of MPs for approval.”

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