Responding to reporters in a press briefing on Thursday, Greek Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis stated that there was no indication of a cover-up in a long-awaited investigation report on the causes of the Tempi train crash which was released at the Athens Daily Newspaper Union (ESIEA) by a panel of experts.
Marinakis acknowledged possible weaknesses and failures in the state apparatus but emphasized, “There is no cover-up.” He urged the public to allow the judiciary to assess the extensive case file.
The spokesperson claimed the opposition parties had convinced a large part of Greek society that a cover-up had taken place over the tragic Tempi train crash and that someone from the government ordered the destruction of crucial evidence. He insisted that any errors in the field are matters for judicial investigation.
Marinakis argued that while the government is being criticized for poor coordination, the primary accusation is of a cover-up—something not supported by the report, which does not mention any specific orders for such actions.
Marinakis also criticized PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, stating that he failed to rise to the gravity of the tragedy, giving an interview even before the report’s presentation. He accused PASOK of exploiting the issue for political gain through its calls for a preliminary investigation and a motion of no confidence.
He noted that, according to the report, underfunding and understaffing issues date back to 2010, making it a shared responsibility of multiple governments.
Regarding the possibility of early elections, Marinakis dismissed the idea, stating that there is no such discussion. He also addressed PASOK’s upcoming proposal, confirming that it will be reviewed and accepted for debate.
