Former Minister Kostas Achilleas Karamanlis will face further legal scrutiny after the Hellenic Parliament voted in favor of his referral to a judicial council over his role in the deadly train collision in Tempi. The decision, approved by 157 MPs, marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the tragedy.
Misdemeanor Charges Proposed
According to the findings of the parliamentary inquiry, Karamanlis is being investigated for alleged breach of duty—a misdemeanor offense. The report specifically accuses him of failing, between September 2021 and February 28, 2023, to establish adequate funding mechanisms for the Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE), to ensure essential public resources were made available for the maintenance and upgrading of the railway network, and to prepare a proper investment strategy supported by national and EU recovery funds. He is also alleged to have neglected to staff the OSE adequately, actions that may have financially harmed the organization.
Passenger train IC55 (Thessaloniki – Athens) passes the accident site in Tempe valley, Larissa, April 3, 2023. IC55 was the first passenger train to pass the site since the February 28 rail accident that killed 57 people.
Judicial Council to Take Over
With the parliamentary process complete, the case now moves to a judicial council that will carry out all investigatory actions. The council will consist of three members of the Court of Cassation (Areios Pagos) and two members of the Council of State. These members will be selected through a lottery, likely after Parliament reconvenes from its summer recess.
This council holds the authority to conduct further inquiries and gather documentation. Should new evidence arise, it may even upgrade the charges, provided the offenses have not been previously dismissed by Parliament.
Turbulent Parliamentary Session
The vote followed a tense and politically charged parliamentary session. A total of 164 MPs participated, with 157 voting in favor, six against, and one ballot declared invalid. Several opposition parties—including PASOK, SYRIZA, KKE, Hellenic Solution, New Left, and Niki—walked out in protest before the vote. These parties accused the ruling majority of procedural manipulation.
Government Response
Government officials stressed that Karamanlis’s referral should not be interpreted as an assumption of guilt. They emphasized that the case was brought forward by the New Democracy parliamentary group—Karamanlis’s own party—and framed the move as a demonstration of institutional responsibility.
Officials noted that this marks the second time a former minister from the current government has been referred to a judicial council. They added that the case file includes ongoing investigations involving 43 non-political individuals and that some segments of the opposition had suggested far more severe criminal charges—even implicating the Prime Minister in allegations such as treason.
Government sources argue that such accusations were unfounded and politically motivated. They defend the decision to move forward with a “measured” set of charges, in line with the evidence and the constitutional obligations of Parliament under Article 86.
Constitutional Debate Over Article 86
The case has also reignited debate over Article 86 of the Greek Constitution, which governs the prosecution of ministers. Government officials reiterated their intention to amend the article to clarify the boundaries of parliamentary and judicial responsibilities. They argue that as long as the current system remains, the government is vulnerable to accusations of either covering up wrongdoing or pursuing politically motivated prosecutions—regardless of the course of action it takes.
In their view, reform is needed to avoid the perception that the government is shielding or targeting former officials based on political expediency.
