The discussion of the three proposals to establish a preliminary investigative committee for the Tempi case is currently underway.

The Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is now speaking at the podium.

“I gave serious thought before deciding to attend today’s session. We have extensively discussed the Tempi tragedy, and I have shared my own interpretation, primarily focusing on how to make the railways safer. My speech today carries a particular significance. I do not want my presence to be misconstrued as implicit validation of a process that levels unfathomable accusations against me.

I could not remain silent in the face of the crude attempt by the four smallest opposition parties to turn this tragedy into a conspiracy, accusing the Prime Minister of the country of high treason. To accuse us of allegedly undermining the democratic system with the aim of overthrowing it — the very same charge used to try the six accused in the aftermath of the Asia Minor Catastrophe.

This is a despicable attack against a democratically elected Prime Minister with an overwhelming popular mandate across three elections.”

Zoi: “They were lost on the road. You killed them.”

Prime Minister:
“This proposal is a blatant derailment of parliamentary democracy, and I refuse to engage with its content. I will not dignify any slanderer with a response, nor will I become complicit in the severe degradation of parliamentary work. If we accepted your logic, the debate would devolve into a repulsive spectacle of incoherent shouting—a jungle where only the most brazen and cynical survive. But that is not democracy; it is a caricature.

I reiterate: I am not here for any criminal charges. I am present to honor, alongside you, the victims of Tempi, insisting that justice and the impartial judge—especially if requested—will bring true accountability.

I decided to appear here to denounce an opposition that for two years has poisoned public opinion with lies.

You have had—and continue to have—one sole objective regarding the Tempi tragedy: to bring down the government and topple Mitsotakis. That is why this methodical effort to exploit tragedy and grief has unfolded. But reality intervened, and the conspiracy collapsed. Where are the vigilantes and smugglers now? Where are the phantom train cars, Mr. Velopoulos? The missing dead? The grave-robbing has ceased. You even tried to blame us for deaths, just so your vile conspiracy wouldn’t collapse. Even the cover-up has been dismantled by its own creators.

What remains is the reflection of every well-intentioned citizen. This chapter that tested the resilience of our society and justice must close, so that it becomes clear that Greece in 2025 is mature enough to distinguish criminal liability from political responsibility in such a grave matter.”