Mass Protests and Strikes Disrupt Greece Over Train Crash Accountability

On the second anniversary of Greece's worst train disaster, which killed 57 people, massive protests erupted across the country, resulting in clashes between demonstrators and riot police. The protests, fueled by public anger over perceived government inaction and accountability regarding the February 2023 collision of a student-filled passenger train and a freight train, were marked by a general strike that grounded flights and halted transport services. Unions called the strike, stressing the need for justice and accountability for those responsible for the tragedy, while a recent inquiry identified unresolved safety gaps in the rail system. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government has faced criticism for its handling of the aftermath, with many citizens expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing judicial investigations. The protests have drawn attention to broader issues of institutional failure in Greece, echoing sentiments from the previous debt crisis. Public anger is compounded by a historical mistrust in government, with a recent poll indicating that a significant majority of Greeks view the disaster as a critical issue.