Tempi Disaster: Criminal File Targets Mitsotakis and 18 Top Politicians

Shock in Parliament: Prime Minister at the Center of Investigation

Greece’s political scene has been shaken by the referral to Parliament of a criminal file concerning the Tempi railway tragedy, which devastated the nation on February 28, 2023. The file, submitted by Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis, involves 19 political figures, including Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, triggering fierce political debates and intense opposition criticism.

The announcement caused a political earthquake in the plenary session, with presiding officer Giannis Bouras officially confirming the referral, in accordance with Article 86 of the Constitution and Law 3126/2003 on “Criminal Responsibility of Ministers.”

Who Is Implicated

The criminal file includes:

• Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis
• Former Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Christos Triantopoulos
• Former Minister of State and acting Minister of Transport Giorgos Gerapetritis
• Former Alternate Minister of Development and Investments Nikos Papathanasis
• Former Deputy Minister of Development Ioannis Tsakiris
• Former Minister of Health Thanasis Plevris and former Deputy Minister Zoi Rapti
• Former Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Michalis Papadopoulos
• Former Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Kostas Ach. Karamanlis
• Former Minister of Interior Makis Voridis
• Minister of State Akis Skertsos
• Former Minister of Development Adonis Georgiadis
• And other former ministers and deputies in transport from 2012–2023, including Michalis Chrysochoidis, Christos Spirtzis, Nikos Mavraganis, and Giorgos Karagiannis.

The file examines the roles and responsibilities of these officials in the Tempi railway tragedy, which claimed dozens of lives and caused a national crisis.

tempi (1)

Political Earthquake and Reactions

The referral has sparked a political earthquake, with opposition parties accusing senior politicians of negligence and demanding urgent investigation. Critics argue that the government failed in its duty of foresight and crisis management, while government sources emphasize that the referral is a legal process and does not automatically imply culpability.

Analysts warn that the case could reshape the political landscape, raising urgent questions of transparency, accountability, and political responsibility, at a time when the government is seeking to reinforce its image as competent and trustworthy.

Social Dimension and Pressure from Victims

The Tempi tragedy was not only a political issue but also a national trauma, with families mourning the loss of loved ones. The criminal file revives the national debate over infrastructure, railway safety, and crisis management, while media and victim associations demand full transparency and accountability.

Next Steps in Parliament

Parliament plans special sessions and hearings, with legal experts and representatives of the implicated ministers, while discussions are underway to strengthen oversight and accountability measures. The outcome of the criminal file is expected to have political ramifications, affecting government popularity, parliamentary dynamics, and public trust.

Greece at a Critical Crossroads

The Tempi case underscores the importance of political ethics and accountability. The criminal referral serves as a wake-up call for the Greek political system, and upcoming parliamentary and judicial decisions will determine whether the political class will confront its responsibilities and restore public confidence.