PM Mitsotakis not ‘giving up,’ as political storm unfolds
Greece’s Parliament is engulfed in a political storm as a no-confidence motion against the government unfolds, triggered by the tragic train disaster in Tempe two years ago.
The motion of no confidence against the government is expected to reach its conclusion on Friday.
Wednesday’s exchange between political leaders was marked by sharp personal attacks, highlighting the immense pressure the government is facing.
On the other hand, however, the opposition “is not convincing,” according to the qualitative indicators, showing that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis still has political capital. He determined not to back down, and asserted that he would emerge “stronger from the unjust attacks” and stressed that the government’s performance will be judged in 2027.
“We won’t give up,” Mitsotakis declared, facing fierce opposition from the likes of PASOK, SYRIZA, New Left, and Course for Freedom. These parties, after five days of negotiations, arrived at a unified no-confidence motion at the last minute.
In his response, Mitsotakis fiercely derided the opposition, calling them “a motley alliance of willing parties.”
He aimed particular ire at PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, accusing him of being “a tail” to other figures within the opposition, such as Zoe Konstantopoulou of Course for Freedom, SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos and Alexis Charitsis of New Left. He demanded that the no-confidence motion be debated immediately, questioning the opposition’s preparedness.
Mitsotakis’ speech served as an attempt to reset the narrative surrounding the Tempe tragedy. He acknowledged mistakes but emphasized the importance of moving forward. He announced three key initiatives, including modernizing the railway fleet by 2027, collaborating with a foreign organization for the maintenance of railway infrastructure, and proposing a constitutional amendment to ensure public sector employee evaluations by citizens.
Despite these efforts, his remarks were met with harsh criticism from the opposition, which accused the government of complicity in covering up the truth behind the tragic accident and failing to prioritize railway safety.
“It was your arrogance, your shamelessness and your disrespect that pushed people into the streets and squares, not the conspiracy theories you are regurgitating today,” said Androulakis, who vowed to fight for political change as soon as possible.
Opposition leaders like Famellos, Charitsis and Dimitris Koutsoumbas of the communist KKE called for the immediate resignation of both the prime minister and the government.
“Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the government are dangerous. You must listen to the universal demand of society and resign immediately. You are delegitimized,” Famellos said.
Kathimerini
