Greeks held a mass demonstration on the anniversary of the deadly train crash in 2023 that killed 57 people, most university students. The demonstration which brought tens of thousand into Syntagma Square in front of the Greek parliament, was held on Saturday February 28. Both the public and private trade union federations held a strike in support of the demonstration.
This demonstration, the fourth since the crash, was not as large as last year which brought a million people into the streets throughout Greece. There were indications that there is work to depoliticise the movement, a tactic by ruling parties which hold responsibility for the crash because of government austerity measures and corruption that was the ultimate cause of the crash. This subversion is seen by the fact that Maria Karystianou, who lost her daughter in the crash, was not allowed to speak. Karystianou has been seen as the most powerful leader of the mass movement demanding justice. After three years of the failure to bring the government to justice she has decided to form a political party, although it has yet to be launched. For this reason she was forced out of the leadership of the parents organization demanding justice for their loved ones. The claim is that she is “politicizing” the movement.
Although she had requested to speak at the rally she was refused. Instead she issued a statement on social media promising to continue fighting for justice for her daughter, saying in part, I promise you that I will never tire. I will visit every court, every square, every corner of Europe, as many times as necessary. And I will not be silent!! The truth will rise again and will always emerge shining, because the light is not buried in their rubble.”
The political situation in Greece is a powder keg as the economic conditions for the general population continue to be harsh, farmers have carried out mass protests for nearly two months. The disgustingly pro European Union, and pro Ukraine policy of the government has created widespread discontent which many expect will lead to an early fall of the center-right government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Several polls over the last months indicate that a party led by Karystianou could win more than 10 percent, enough votes to enter parliament.