Greece braces for widespread disruption and demonstrations today, the second anniversary of the devastating Tempi train disaster that claimed 57 lives.
A nationwide strike, coupled with protests planned in Athens, Thessaloniki, and over 300 other locations, will bring transportation, commerce, and public services to a standstill as the nation expresses its grief and demands justice.
Thousands are expected to participate in the demonstrations, with Athens bracing for a particularly large turnout. Over 5,000 police officers will be deployed in the capital, utilizing helicopters, drones, and water cannons to monitor the crowds and maintain order.
Authorities are emphasizing public safety while facilitating the right to peaceful protest.
The strike, backed by major labor unions including the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Civil Servants' Confederation (ADEDY), will see participation from a wide range of sectors. Train workers, air traffic controllers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, students, and merchants are among those joining the nationwide action.
Transportation will be severely impacted. Ships will remain docked as the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) participates in the strike.
Hundreds of flights have been canceled, with air traffic controllers prioritizing only essential travel. In Athens, the Metro and Tram will operate on a reduced schedule, with some stations closed for security reasons.
Pharmacies in major cities will close for several hours, and bookstores and publishers across the country will also shut down in solidarity. The widespread participation reflects the profound impact of the Tempi tragedy and the ongoing demand for accountability and systemic change.
The events of Feb. 28, 2023, when a passenger train and a freight train collided near Tempe, exposed critical safety failures and mismanagement within the Greek rail system.
Two years on, the nation continues to grapple with the consequences, and Friday's demonstrations serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing call for justice and reforms.