Greek Workers Strike as Protests Erupt Over Rail Disaster

Greek Workers Strike as Protests Erupt Over Rail Disaster. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Athens erupted in chaos Friday as youths attacked police over the rail disaster. Anger fueled violence outside parliament during protests marking the tragic anniversary.

Rail Disaster Sparks Nationwide Outrage

Thousands rallied peacefully earlier to honor two years since the Tempe tragedy struck. However, youths smashed stones with hammers and hurled rubble at officers, igniting clashes.

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Protests swept Greece with hundreds of thousands flooding streets in over 300 cities. Relatives of the 57 victims led the charge, demanding justice for the 2023 crash.

Public outrage targets the conservative government, and many accuse leaders of dodging responsibility. Critics insist politicians must answer for failures, yet only rail officials face charges.

The Tempe collision occurred when a passenger train crashed into a freight train head-on. That fiery wreck on February 28, 2023, killed dozens and exposed infrastructure gaps.

Yannis Panagopoulos, union leader, urged Greeks to rally and uncover the full truth. He demanded accountability for those responsible, regardless of their rank or influence.

Rail Disaster Fuels Strikes and Disruptions

Massive strikes halted flights, trains, and ferries, disrupting daily life across Greece. Businesses shut doors, and many Athens storefronts displayed solidarity messages for victims’ families.

Tens of thousands rallied outside parliament, chanting slogans and waving anti-government banners loudly. Protesters carried black balloons, blaring horns to vent frustration over the tragedy’s fallout.

Worker Costas Reintzopoulos said the crash spotlighted long-ignored calls for safer workplaces. Eleven railway employees perished in Tempe, amplifying demands for better safety measures.

He stressed that Greeks seek truth daily and push for protections to prevent more deaths. Reintzopoulos warned against losing more workers who leave home unsure of returning.

Police deployed over 5,000 officers in Athens to control crowds and curb potential violence. Meanwhile, memorial services filled Orthodox churches, honoring victims, including many students.

Families of the deceased called for remembrance, urging focus on justice over political games. They emphasized respect for the lost and the ongoing fight for accountability.

Yet, the unrest poses risks for Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his government. His party leads polls, but rising discontent boosts support for fringe political groups.

Opposition leaders eye a censure motion, hoping to capitalize on widespread public anger. Mitsotakis vowed to enhance rail safety, uniting Greeks in a shared quest for truth.

The protests rank among Greece’s largest since the debt crisis over a decade ago. They signal deep frustration and a collective demand for answers that still remain elusive.

Source: jerseyeveningpost.com

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