“I Did Not Come to Beg — I Came to Demand Justice”: Maria Karystianou Shakes the European Parliament

With a sharp and uncompromising tone, Maria Karystianou appeared for the fourth time before the European Parliament, bringing with her the anguish and determination of the families of the Tempi victims. Addressing MEPs and European officials, she accused EU institutions of inaction, negligence, and institutional tolerance toward a railway system which — as she stated — “did not, and still does not, meet basic safety requirements.”

A Speech That Allowed No Misinterpretation

The event, organized by MEP Nikolas Farantouris, filled the room to capacity. MEPs from every political group attended — except those of Greece’s ruling New Democracy party. Speakers included constitutional scholars, legal experts and former judges, but it was Karystianou who delivered the most forceful message.

She directed her criticism at:

• The European Union
• The European Commission
• The European Union Agency for Railways (ERA)
• Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas

Karystianou argued that the EU “had an obligation to ensure compliance with railway safety legislation in Greece and should have suspended the system’s operation” until it met EU standards. Instead — she claimed — “it continues to bless its operation even now, knowing full well the safety conditions are not met.”

Harsh Words for the Commission and the ERA

Her accusation was direct and blunt:“You did not do your job. You imposed fines, and we — the citizens — ended up paying for them.”

She also criticized Transport Commissioner Tzitzikostas for allegedly saying “what’s done is done; we will see what happens next.” Karystianou called that statement an act of political and institutional cover-up.

According to her, the European bureaucracy knew, documented, and monitored the Greek railway deficiencies without intervening decisively — allowing a system of high risk and low accountability to persist.

“I Did Not Come to Beg — I Came to Demand Justice”

This sentence became the headline of the day. Karystianou demanded that:

• the PETI Committee (Committee on Petitions) examine all pending petitions,
• MEPs exert pressure on the responsible institutions,
• the Commission and ERA assume their responsibilities,
• the Transport Commissioner fulfill his mandate.

Her intervention transformed a national tragedy into a European question of institutional responsibility.

The Farantouris Leaflet: A European Legal Dimension

A special leaflet circulated during the event, signed by MEP Nikolas Farantouris and Manolis Spathis, titled:

“European Law and Constitution in Corruption Cases: Institutional and Economic Dimensions”.

The document argues that the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) can and must proceed with investigations, prosecutions, or sanctions by bypassing Article 86 of the Greek Constitution where EU violations are involved. This position strengthens the case that the Tempi tragedy carries supranational legal and political implications — far beyond a national inquiry.

Karystianou’s Closing Remarks: Rule of Law or Rule of Impunity?

In her concluding words, she stated:“We want Justice above all. We want the Rule of Law. European law exists to protect us from unlawful actions by ministers in every member state.”

She added that she leaves with the hope that the discussion will activate institutions — not produce yet another cycle of promises.

Pressure Mounts on Europe

Karystianou’s intervention was not a mere emotional appeal. It was:

• a formal institutional accusation,
• a political warning,
• and a collective demand for accountability.

The Tempi case is increasingly transforming into a European test of responsibility, transparency, and rule-of-law enforcement — not just a domestic Greek affair.

Source: pagenews.gr