Greek trade unions are once again calling for mass mobilizations on Wednesday, March 5, following last week’s unprecedented protests. Labor organizations are urging members and the public to keep up the pressure on mainstream political parties and demand justice for the 57 fatalities of the Tempi train crash, which occurred two years ago.
Last Friday, an estimated 1.5 million people took to the streets in over 200 locations across Greece, protesting attempts to whitewash the tragedy. The protests coincided with a general strike that also saw unparalleled participation. According to data from the All-Workers’ Militant Front (PAME), strike turnout reached 100% in sectors such as railways, construction, ports, and shipbuilding. Similar numbers were recorded in public services and textile production. No sector reported participation below 70%, with ministries also heavily affected—all of them were shut down, PAME stated.
Demonstrators criticized various political forces, including the ruling New Democracy, accusing them of failing to hold those responsible for the Tempi tragedy accountable. “The people, in an organized way, showed that they have no confidence in the government, the parties of the rotten system, the justice system, and the institutions that serve it,” PAME declared.
Despite widespread public outrage and recent reports warning about irregularities that occurred in the aftermath of the crash, authorities have yet to prosecute those responsible, including officials who weakened public rail infrastructure through years of austerity policies. With public frustration reaching boiling point, anger is now translating into organized resistance. “We are strengthening the fight against policies that create large and small Tempi-like tragedies every day. We are strengthening the fight for our lives,” PAME’s media chapter stated in its call to action ahead of the new protests.
Read more: Two years after Tempi train crash, workers shut down Greece in general strike
While trade unions and protesters demand justice, an end to austerity, and increased investment in the public sector instead of militarization, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has timidly promised to upgrade the railway system. His promise comes ahead of more parliamentary debates on the crash, planned for this week, and amid the announcement of a no-confidence vote against his government.
Yet protesters insist criticism of New Democracy alone is not enough. Social-democratic and allegedly progressive parties also bear responsibility for implementing EU-driven austerity measures. Such policies sacrifice human lives on the altar of profit, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) stated.
Wednesday’s mobilizations are expected to articulate these demands further, pushing for an organized movement against austerity and political impunity. “Anger and grief alone are not enough,” the political platform DiEM25 wrote. “The people of Greece understand that justice requires action, not just outrage. The marches, strikes, and occupations are a collective call for systemic change.”
In parallel to mobilizations in Greece, solidarity actions have taken place across the region, bringing together movements fighting against the dangerous neoliberal policies pursued by European countries.
