Greek Deputy Minister Resigns Amid Tempi Tragedy Investigation

Christos Triantopoulos has officially resigned from his position as Deputy Minister of Climate Change and Civil Protection, following growing scrutiny over his involvement in the aftermath of the Tempi railway disaster.

His resignation comes amid opposition allegations of a cover-up, which he vehemently denies, asserting his commitment to transparency and due process.

The resignation follows a request by the opposition party PASOK for the establishment of a parliamentary preliminary investigation committee to examine Triantopoulos’ role in the management of the site of the deadly railway accident. PASOK claims that government actions at the site, including the alleged mishandling of evidence, require further scrutiny. In response, Triantopoulos stated that he is stepping down to facilitate the investigation and to refute what he calls unfounded accusations.

Triantopoulos’ Statement

In a detailed statement, the former Deputy Minister expressed his commitment to upholding institutional integrity and dismissed claims of a cover-up as politically motivated.

“Throughout my tenure in the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis and as a member of Parliament for New Democracy, I have maintained a low profile, dedicated to my responsibilities with integrity and respect for institutions,” Triantopoulos said.

He criticized the opposition’s approach, accusing PASOK of exploiting the tragedy for political gain. He described the allegations against him as speculative and unfounded, emphasising that his presence at the accident site was part of a coordinated government response rather than an attempt to conceal wrongdoing.

Triantopoulos further outlined his role in the days following the disaster, stating that his primary responsibilities included organizing state aid for victims and their families and providing public updates based on official information. He reiterated that all actions taken were transparent and well-documented through press releases and public statements.

“Speculations about an alleged cover-up, devoid of facts or evidence, are not only irrational but deeply offensive,” he said. “I am fully committed to proving the truth through logic, evidence, and facts.”

Government and Opposition Reactions

PASOK submitted its formal request for a preliminary investigation committee on Wednesday, seeking clarity on Triantopoulos’ role in what they describe as potential interference with the accident site.

The ruling New Democracy party agreed to the establishment of the committee but firmly rejected PASOK’s claims, calling them a politically motivated attempt to exploit the tragedy for electoral gain. Government sources emphasised that their approval of the investigation does not equate to endorsing the allegations against Triantopoulos.

“This is a desperate political maneuver by PASOK to manipulate public sentiment over a national tragedy,” government sources said.

The Tempi Disaster and Its Aftermath

The Tempi railway disaster, one of Greece’s deadliest train accidents, has been at the centre of intense political and public scrutiny. The crash, which occurred in February 2023, resulted in dozens of fatalities and sparked nationwide outrage over railway safety and government accountability.

The ongoing investigations into the causes of the disaster and the government’s response continue to fuel political tensions, with opposition parties pressing for greater accountability from officials involved in the aftermath.

With his resignation, Triantopoulos becomes the latest high-ranking official to step down in connection with the tragedy. As the preliminary investigation proceeds, all eyes will be on the parliamentary committee to determine the extent of government responsibility and the implications for Greece’s political landscape.

Source: pagenews.gr