Former ministers scrutinized over Tempe
The Greek government is awaiting further developments after the investigative file concerning the 2023 Tempe rail disaster is forwarded to Parliament on Tuesday for review.
The case, which involves former ministers Christos Spirtzis and Kostas Karamanlis, is being closely monitored as it may lead to criminal charges for political figures.
The government’s official stance remains one of “waiting” until it is fully briefed on the matter, but sources suggest that the case may follow a precedent set by the “Triantopoulos model,” where former officials were referred to a judicial council for further investigation. As a government spokesperson noted, “What happened with Mr Triantopoulos, for me, is a guide for any file that reaches Parliament.”
The legal scrutiny follows testimony by key Infrastructure Ministry officials, including documents that allegedly expose failures in railway safety and maintenance. The charges involve the severe disruption of transport systems that led to fatal consequences.
For Spirtzis, the constitutional time limit for prosecution has passed, as his alleged offenses fall outside the statute of limitations.
However, Karamanlis remains under investigation. According to legal experts, a swift decision is necessary before a potential statutory barrier sets in later this year.
The investigation, initiated two years ago, has now reached a critical point. Special Investigative Judge Sotiris Bakaimis forwarded the file on Monday to the Prosecutor’s Office of the Supreme Court along with a key document outlining the evidence that potentially implicates high-ranking political figures.
These individuals are accused of negligence related to railway security, the lack of infrastructure modernization, and staffing shortages.
The timeline for the investigation spans from 2016 to 2023, and this wide scope has extended the probe to include both Spirtzis and Karamanlis. While Spirtzis’ alleged offenses are now time-barred, Karamanlis could still face charges.
Documents provided by Transport Ministry officials underscore serious concerns regarding the railway’s safety.
In one memo, officials warned that inadequate maintenance and staffing issues jeopardized the railway’s security, contributing to the disaster.
The case continues to raise constitutional and legal questions, with differing opinions on the implications of a recently passed law on ministerial accountability.
Kathimerini
