Greece: no-confidence vote after mass protests
In the wake of the mass rallies that took place on Tuesday to mark the second anniversary of the Tempi train crash, the Greek parliament has set up a committee of inquiry to investigate allegations of a cover-up to conceal political responsibility for the tragedy. Four opposition parties have also called for a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which will be put to the vote on Friday.
Genuine response not forthcoming
Naftemporiki is pessimistic about the outcome of the vote:
“We know that at least 151 MPs will not vote in favour of the motion of no confidence. And the three-day process will end with Nea Dimokratia MPs applauding and congratulating the prime minister, who will in turn promise a fresh start to 'make Greece stronger', because that's how he interprets the message of the protests. ... The parents [of Tempi victims] died the day they lost their child. We owe these people who have campaigned unceasingly for two years a response - a political and institutional response. The opposition in society is strong and will not give up.”
The protests won't be silenced
The left-wing newspaper Avgi says it's time for a fresh start:
“Is the Tempi scandal the only cause for the strong reactions we are currently seeing? Probably not. It's the lack of prospects for young people who are already very restricted financially. It's the constant insecurity, not just regarding the railways. It's the fear of the future even among those who are not living on the poverty line. No matter how much the government propaganda tries to play down the huge mobilisation on this second anniversary of Tempi, it doesn't seem to be working. Because all those participating know exactly why they have taken to the streets to protest along with all the others.”