Greece paralyzed by mass protests and riots over rail tragedy
Greece came to a standstill due to a general strike and mass protests. Train and airline connections were canceled. In Athens, riots broke out as the police deployed tear gas and stun grenades.
On Friday, in several hundred cities and smaller towns in Greece and abroad, demonstrations of solidarity with the families of the railway tragedy victims in Tempi from two years ago took place, where 57 people lost their lives. People are dissatisfied with the government's actions regarding the country's deadliest railway disaster.
Public transportation was suspended due to the protests. Many train and bus services were suspended, and airports canceled numerous flights.
Riots in Athens
Approximately 300,000 people gathered in downtown Athens on Friday. Media footage shows clashes between protesters and police, with authorities defending access to government buildings as demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails and stones.
The demonstrators hurled Molotov cocktails onto the parliament grounds and set fire to a guard booth. "I can't breathe," "I have no oxygen," the crowd chanted.
The police cleared the square in front of the parliament of attackers, but riots spread to surrounding streets. Hooded individuals also attacked the police with Molotov cocktails in Thessaloniki.
The protests stem from public dissatisfaction with government policies, which many citizens believe do not meet their expectations. Strikers are demanding changes in economic policy and improved working conditions.
"Friday's demonstrations also express fatigue and dissatisfaction due to rising prices, life's difficulties, and the uncertainties of our times," said Dr. Stella Ladi from Panteion University.
According to her, in connection with the anniversary of the tragedy, "the voices of the far-right have strengthened, and to a lesser extent, the far-left, which traditionally has been much stronger in Greece." The protests have become part of a broader questioning of state institutions and their effectiveness. "I think that people who take to the streets are not even aware that the far-right voices have strengthened due to this situation," Ladi added.
