Athens (Greece) — Greece Parliament has voted to launch a formal investigation into former Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis for his potential role in the Tempi train crash, the country’s deadliest rail disaster that killed 57 people, most of them students, in February 2023.
After a heated 18-hour marathon session, lawmakers voted early Thursday morning to form a preliminary parliamentary inquiry. The committee will determine whether Karamanlis should face criminal indictment for dereliction of duty.
Greece Parliament: Karamanlis Faces Misdemeanor Charge
The ruling New Democracy party, which holds a parliamentary majority, proposed the motion. Their proposal named only Karamanlis, focusing on a misdemeanor charge of dereliction of duty.
Despite maintaining his innocence during the debate, Karamanlis requested to be referred both to the committee and, later, to the judicial authorities.
The proposal passed with 154 votes in favor and 13 against.
Greece Parliament: Opposition Criticizes Scope of Probe
Opposition parties submitted two alternative proposals.
- PASOK, the main opposition party, called for an investigation of eight political figures.
- A citizen-backed proposal, supported by smaller parties and independents, named 11 figures, including Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with accusations of high treason.
However, Parliament rejected both proposals. The proposal to indict Mitsotakis failed with only 38 votes in favor and 159 against.
Accusations of Political Cover-Up in Greece Parliament
Opposition lawmakers accused New Democracy of limiting the investigation to shield other government officials from felony charges.
They claimed the ruling party used its majority to sideline broader accountability.
“The government is protecting itself,” said one opposition MP. “This is not about justice. It’s about political damage control.”
Mitsotakis Responds to Accusations in Greece Parliament
Prime Minister Mitsotakis denounced the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.
He called the proceedings a “vile attempt by four fringe parties to turn a national tragedy into a grotesque political conspiracy.”
Next Steps in the Investigation
Greek law allows only Parliament to investigate former ministers.
The newly formed special committee will now decide whether to lift Karamanlis’ immunity and refer the case to a judicial council.
The aim is to fast-track the process, which could result in a criminal trial if charges are filed.
Meanwhile, a separate judicial investigation led by an appellate magistrate in Larissa is nearing completion. That probe is expected to charge several Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) employees with criminal negligence.
About the Tempi Rail Disaster
The February 2023 Tempi rail crash occurred when a passenger train collided head-on with a freight train. The crash killed 57 people, mostly university students returning from a holiday.
The tragedy triggered nationwide protests, raising serious concerns about railway safety and systemic failures within the transport ministry.
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