Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has strongly defended his government against opposition criticism, accusing rivals of fostering political instability following the deadly Tempe train disaster.
His conservative New Democracy government has faced widespread criticism from both political opponents and the public over its handling of the Tempe rail disaster and a perceived lack of accountability.
The tragic collision between a freight train and a passenger train nearly two years ago claimed 57 lives, including many students, and left numerous others seriously injured.
Speaking at the Thessaloniki Summit 2025, he condemned what he described as a “toxic climate” and “an attempt to drag political life into the mud.” He challenged opposition parties, saying, “If they want to bring down the government, let them try in Parliament.”
Mitsotakis emphasized his commitment to stability, stating, “My primary responsibility is to keep the country on course during these turbulent times.” He also rejected public judgement and online accusations, insisting that justice must be served through official legal channels. If the opposition fails to file a no-confidence motion, he promised a parliamentary debate following the release of the investigation report on the Tempe disaster.
The country is preparing for a nationwide strike and rallies on February 28, commemorating the two-year anniversary of the Tempe rail disaster.
A government reshuffle appears inevitable, though the exact timing remains undecided. The overhaul is expected to primarily remove ministers linked to the train crash and its handling, while also reinforcing the Prime Minister’s Office.
Earlier Wednesday, prior to his Thessaloniki Summit 2025 interview, Mitsotakis participated in a virtual meeting of European leaders hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. He urged the European Union to awaken from its geopolitical and economic inertia, warning that shifting US policies demand faster decision-making from Europe.
Mitsotakis described an upcoming European Council summit as critical, stressing that the EU must “stop being a bystander in global developments.”