Parliament refers Triantopoulos to judiciary over handling of Tempe disaster site

Triantopoulos is set to face misdemeanor charges for breach of duty over the alleged mishandling of the Tempe disaster site.

Out of 200 members of parliament present, 190 voted in favor and 10 against. In accordance with parliamentary rules, Triantopoulos was not entitled to vote.

Aside from the ruling majority, PASOK, and a few independent MPs, all other opposition parties walked out of the chamber and abstained from the vote, denouncing the procedure as invalid and unconstitutional.

Opposition parties argued that the preliminary committee investigating Triantopoulos’ role in the alleged tampering at the Tempe railway disaster site was prevented from completing its work, accusing the government of attempting to cover up the responsibilities of both Triantopoulos and former transport minister Kostas Karamanlis.

PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis stated that although the party rejects the process, it chose to participate in the vote so that Triantopoulos could be brought before the judiciary.

“For us, the proper response is to reject the process followed by the government, to denounce the procedure, to reject the findings, but also to vote so that every minister involved will face a judge,” said Androulakis.

Course of Freedom leader Zoe Konstantopoulou also accused the government of attempting to cover up Triantopoulos’ responsibilities. “Today’s procedure lacks any legitimacy. Through deceptive tactics, the discussion is being rushed to whitewash Triantopoulos’ responsibilities,” she said.

SYRIZA also denounced the process and walked out. Party representative Sokratis Famellos announced that SYRIZA’s parliamentary group would not participate in the vote, accusing the government of orchestrating a “parliamentary coup.”

From the government’s side, Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis accused the opposition parties of attempting to distort the truth for their own benefit.

Kathimerini