The Greek government agreed to a pre-agenda parliamentary debate on the Tempi train crash, following a formal request submitted by opposition parties SYRIZA and the Communist party (KKE) in the wake of Sunday’s huge nationwide protests in Greece about the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 57 people in February 2023.
Spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis stated on Monday that the government would accept the debate, adding that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had never shied away from answering questions.
“The citizens are expressing feelings of sadness, anger, and indignation, and their primary demand, I repeat, is for justice,” stated Marinakis during a press briefing with the press. “Rest assured, there is no one—whether holding a government position or belonging to an opposition party—who does not want justice. But let us be clear: justice comes only from the judiciary itself. Not from television panels of any kind, nor from politicians of any party.”
The government spokesperson continued by stating that the judiciary investigations on the tragic Tempi train crash had reached a critical point having entered the main inquiries.
“What the government must do is allow Justice to perform its duties as outlined in our Constitution, without any interference, commentary, or judgment. Requests are being submitted, and it is the responsibility of the judges to evaluate them within the framework of the primary investigation and reach the necessary conclusions so that citizens, the public, and especially the relatives of the victims, learn the truth. Following that, the matter will naturally move to the main judicial process.”
The center-left PASOK party has declared its readiness to participate in the parliamentary debate after backing the proposal submitted by SYRIZA and KKE. In addition, Alexis Charitsis leader of the New Left party, has announced that he will also submit a request for discussion on the same issue.