Tempe train crash, renewed violence set political tone

The Tempe train crash continues to dominate the political agenda. Two years after the fatal collision, however, the situation has grown even murkier due to several contradictory expert reports and institutional backtracking.

At the same time, a new outbreak of violence in the downtown Exarchia neighborhood and a terrorist attack involving a bomb planted at the offices of Hellenic Train late on Friday are causing growing concern. These developments come amid a socio-political climate marked by collapsing public trust in the political system and a general sense of disillusionment.

A newly emerged extremist group claimed responsibility on Sunday for the bombing of the Hellenic Train offices and the planting of another bomb near the Labor Ministry in early February.

In a lengthy statement, the perpetrators – who identify themselves as Revolutionary Class Self-Defense – refer extensively to various issues, particularly the Tempe train crash. They conclude with the declaration: “In the dilemma of chains or weapons, we must resolutely choose the latter.”

Lecornu in Athens

French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu will be in Athens Monday to meet with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias, as well as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The visit aims to ease tensions between the two countries over the UK-led sale of Meteor air-to-air missiles to Turkey.

Talks will also cover efforts to boost the Greek defense industry, Europe’s rearmament plan, and defense procurement – specifically the possible acquisition by Greece of a fourth French frigate. The two ministers are also scheduled to visit the French frigate Alsace, which will be docked at the port of Piraeus.

Foreign Affairs Council

European Union foreign ministers meet in Luxembourg on Monday to discuss the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East, including Syria, as well as the EU’s engagement in the Western Balkans. The meeting will be followed by the first-ever EU-Palestinian Authority High-Level Dialogue.

Taxi drivers on strike

The Taxi Drivers’ Union has announced a 24-hour strike in the Attica region on Tuesday in protest at provisions in the new Road Traffic Code, which prohibit taxis from using bus lanes.

Juvenile violence

The government will unveil its new policy to combat youth violence on Wednesday. Measures include increasing the number of school psychologists and organizing seminars for teachers and parents.

Some 104 juvenile assaults were officially recorded in the first two months of 2025. The number of juvenile crimes in 2024 was 41% higher than in 2023.

Greek Orthodox Easter

Greek Orthodox faithful will celebrate Easter this coming Sunday.