Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis rejected allegations of a cover-up in the Tempe railway disaster during an interview with Alpha TV on Wednesday, stating that if it is proven that the freight train was carrying illegal cargo that contributed to the fire following the collision, railway operator Hellenic Train will be held accountable.
The interview took place just days after mass protests erupted across Greece, with tens of thousands demanding justice for the disaster.
Meanwhile, the opposition alleges a cover-up, primarily regarding the source of the fire believed to have killed many survivors of the collision, as experts hired by the victims’ families claim it was caused by illegal flammable cargo being transported on the freight train.
When Mitsotakis was asked about the train’s cargo, he explained that his initial statement, asserting that the train was not carrying any suspicious cargo, was based on assurances from the Fire Department and Hellenic Train. However, he added that his stance has since changed, as new evidence has emerged.
“On year later, I stated that all possibilities are open, so I, too, am awaiting answers,” he said, adding that the claim he orchestrated any kind of cover-up is a “huge lie,” which he strongly rejects.
Mitsotakis stated that in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, the primary focus was on caring for the wounded and identifying the victims. “Was my priority to cover up for whom? Some potential smugglers?” he asked rhetorically.
“If it is proven [that there was something suspicious on the train], Hellenic Train, which holds responsibility, must be held accountable, both legally, though that is not my role, and politically because it assured not only me but also the Greek Parliament.”
“So, if you ask me whether I regret my statement or if I was mistaken, I will say it clearly: with what I know today, I obviously would not have said what I did back then,” Mitsotakis said.
When asked about the recent protests related to the Tempi train crash, he noted, “Citizens demand the truth, justice, and assurances that such a tragedy will never happen again,” adding that the leaked audio recordings socked Greek society.
“People took to the streets, shocked by the leaked audio. I cannot begin to fathom the pain of parents hearing the voices of their children.”
The prime minister also addressed recent heated exchanges between family members of the victims, particularly Maria Karystianou, the president of a victims’ family association, and government officials. While acknowledging their right to demand justice, he accused the opposition of exploiting their grief and anger for political gain.
“Ms. Karystianou lost her child, this is where I draw the line and bow my head. I have nothing more to say. You will never hear me speak a bad word,” Mitsotakis said.
Regarding the Parliament’s committee of inquiry on the Tempe disaster, Mitsotakis stated that ” it was not Parliament’s finest moment.” He added that all witnesses, including those who were not summoned to testify before the committee, will testify in court.
Moreover, Mitsotakis said that only the justice system can provide the answers, adding that the investigation is nearing its conclusion.
“Justice has proceeded at its own pace, ensuring that nothing will be left unanswered,” he stated. “We are reaching the final stages of the process.”
