Greek police clashed with demonstrators in Athens on February 28, 2025, during protests marking the second anniversary of the country’s deadliest train crash. The unrest erupted as large crowds gathered to demand justice for the 57 victims who lost their lives when a passenger train collided with a freight train in Tempe in 2023.
As the protests intensified, hooded youths threw Molotov cocktails and smashed paving stones near the parliament building. In response, riot police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowds. Sky News correspondent Stuart Ramsay, reporting from the scene, noted that there was a palpable tension in the air, with many anticipating that the demonstrations could escalate.
The protests were part of a broader general strike across Greece, which grounded flights and halted transport services. Air traffic controllers, seafarers, train drivers, and various professionals joined the strike, leading to widespread disruptions. Many businesses and shops also closed in solidarity with the demonstrators.
The protests were fueled by anger over the government’s perceived inaction following the train crash, which has become a symbol of systemic failures in Greece’s transportation infrastructure. Protesters chanted, “You count profits. We count lives,” while some carried black balloons and banners criticizing the government.
Yannis Panagopoulos, head of Greece’s largest labor union, emphasized the need for accountability, stating that those responsible for the tragedy must be held accountable, regardless of their position. This sentiment resonated with many demonstrators, including Christos Main, a musician who expressed frustration over the government’s lack of action, declaring, “This wasn’t an accident, it was murder.”
The recent unrest comes after a report on the crash was released, attributing the disaster to human error and outdated infrastructure. The investigation highlighted safety gaps that remain unaddressed, prompting further outrage among the public and victims’ families.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s government has faced criticism for not initiating a parliamentary inquiry into the crash. Officials maintain that it is up to the judiciary to conduct investigations. The protests and strikes represent some of the largest demonstrations seen in Greece since the country’s debt crisis over a decade ago, reflecting deep-seated frustrations with the current administration and the ongoing challenges in the nation’s public safety systems.