×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Friday
01
May 2026
weather symbol
Athens 13°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> Politics

Mitsotakis on Tempi: Justice will determine whether there was an illegal cargo on the train; those responsible will be held accountable (Update)

Hellenic Train, the Fire Department & OSE told me at the time that there was no suspicious cargo – What was then unlikely may now be possible – All evidence is included in the case file – No cover-up, the guilty will be punished to ensure this never happens again

Newsroom January 29 07:08

 

The Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is currently giving a full interview to Alpha.

The Prime Minister will respond, among other things, to the opposition parties’ accusations about the case of the train accident in Tempi, following the rallies held across the country on Sunday.

Key Points from the Prime Minister’s Interview:

  • New Democracy amended the Constitution to ensure that political responsibilities are not subject to a statute of limitations.
  • Justice is responsible for the evaluation.
  • If there is a reference to a political figure, the government majority will not obstruct further investigation.
  • The fact that Kostas Ach. Karamanlis is an MP does not affect any potential investigation into his criminal responsibility.
  • The case files involve complaints from those involved, including against him, but they have not been assessed by the opposition in any way.
  • “I am responsible for everything in the broader sense. Some are exploiting people’s pain because they cannot oppose otherwise. The claim that I orchestrated a cover-up is a huge lie. If an operational mistake was made, the responsible authorities will determine it.”
  • “At my level, my priority was to recover the bodies. If operational decisions were made—such as sending a crane—I was not aware of them, nor was I obliged to be. However, nothing was done with the intention of a cover-up. A Prime Minister and father cannot have covering up as a concern.”
  • “We have facilitated the investigation in all matters. The police have been involved at all levels. I would hope that the investigator’s file includes a video to show what the train was carrying.”
  • “The Greek ‘FBI’ has already shown results in tackling smuggling. But for an investigation to take place, evidence must emerge. If it does, it obviously must be investigated.”
  • “As I obtained more information, I adjusted my statements accordingly. The final say belongs to the appellate investigator, who has the full picture.”
  • “I have the response from Hellenic Train. If it is proven that the train carried suspicious cargo, the company must be held criminally and politically accountable.”
  • “I did not make a mistake; I conveyed the information I had. How could I prejudge justice? A serious accusation is looming, and I reject it even as a parent. The idea that the Prime Minister, when visiting the accident site, was concerned with covering up smugglers is absurd.”
  • “We have not yet received a clear answer. What once seemed improbable may now be possible. I, too, want to know the truth, Mr. Schroeter.”
  • “Fifteen days after the accident, based on the information I had, I stated that there was no suspicious cargo. Hellenic Train, the Fire Department, and OSE told me what they knew at the time. However, a year later, I acknowledged that all possibilities remain open.”
  • “Some people died in the fire. We may never know how many.”
  • “People took to the streets, shocked by the audio recording. This is not new—it is included in the case file. I cannot imagine a parent hearing their child’s voice moments before their death.”
  • “Because there are talks of a cover-up: if that were the case, we would not have taken these actions. We established an independent organization with European oversight.”
  • “Answers can only come from justice. We enabled access to the mobile phones of those involved. The opposition parties did not vote for this provision.”
  • “Justice moved at its own pace to ensure no questions remain unanswered. We are reaching the end of the process. After the victims’ families, I am the first who wants to know the truth.”
  • “Greek society experiences the Tempi tragedy as a wound and as mourning. At the protests, even New Democracy supporters participated, demanding justice, punishment for the guilty, and ensuring this never happens again.”

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#greece#Helllenic Train#interview#Kyriakos Mitsotakis#politics#Tempi tragedy#update
> More Politics

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Chrysochoidis and Agapidaki in Ilion after big fire destroyed apartments

May 1, 2026

Parks in Thessaloniki will be named after Yannis Boutaris and Dionysis Savvopoulos

May 1, 2026

Wall Street: New double record for SP 500 and Nasdaq

May 1, 2026

Birth on an ITA Airways flight: a baby boy was born on board, see photo

May 1, 2026

The Emir of… Athens and his incredible car (+video)

May 1, 2026

Iran denies any involvement in the knife attack on Jews in London

May 1, 2026

“Gift” from Trump to Britain after the visit of Charles and Camilla: Tariffs on whisky and bourbon lifted

April 30, 2026

Bridgerton-style wedding for Fidias Panayiotou and Styliana Averkiou – Watch videos and photos

April 30, 2026
All News

> Greece

In reverence, the emotional deposition in Jerusalem, see photos & video

The Holy Temple of the Resurrection opened after many days due to the war between Israel and Iran

April 10, 2026

In the final stretch for the accreditation of joint master’s degrees: Aiming for their launch in the coming academic year

April 10, 2026

Schedule for Epitaph Procession today (10/4)

April 10, 2026

Perfect weather for Easter excursions, according to Tsatrafyllia’s forecast

April 10, 2026

Easter in Greece: The customs that continue in Greek tradition – From Nafpaktos to Corfu

April 10, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα