The appointment of Greece’s Apostolos Tzitzikostas to head the transport portfolio in the next European Commission has sparked controversy, particularly among the relatives of the victims of the deadly 2023 train accident in Greece. The accident, which claimed the lives of 57 people, mainly university students, in Tempi, has been the subject of investigation and accusations of a government cover-up. The victims’ relatives have expressed strong opposition to Greece holding the transport portfolio, citing concerns about accountability for the rail tragedy. They have taken their concerns to EU President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, highlighting what they see as a conflict of interest in appointing Greek officials closely tied to the ruling party to oversee the transport sector.
Maria Karistianou, the president of the “Tempi 2023” Accident Victims Association, has been vocal in her criticism of the choice of the Greek Commissioner-designate and the Greek MEP Eliza Vozenberg as chair of the Transport Committee of the European Parliament. She has raised concerns about the lack of confidence in the Greek justice system and the perceived influence of politicians in judicial matters. Karistianou has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of the Tempi case, emphasizing the importance of restoring trust in the judiciary. The victims’ association has urged European authorities to consider the implications of appointing Greek officials with ties to the government to key positions in the European Commission and Parliament.
In response to the allegations made by the victims’ relatives, MEP Eliza Vozenberg has denied any wrongdoing and emphasized the independence of the Greek judiciary. She has dismissed claims that she or Commissioner-designate Tzitzikostas would assist the government in a cover-up or withholding information related to the rail tragedy. Vozenberg has highlighted the importance of respecting the legal process and ensuring that justice prevails in the investigation of the Tempi case. Both the Commissioner-designate and the Transport Committee chairwoman have met with representatives of the victims’ association in Brussels to address their concerns and discuss the steps being taken to ensure accountability and transparency in the transport sector.
The controversy surrounding the appointment of Apostolos Tzitzikostas and Eliza Vozenberg to key roles in the European Commission and Parliament reflects broader concerns about accountability and the rule of law in Greece. The victims’ relatives have raised important questions about potential conflicts of interest and the need for independent oversight in the handling of the Tempi case. The European Parliament will conduct hearings for the Commissioners-designate to determine their suitability for office, providing an opportunity for further scrutiny and dialogue on the issues raised by the victims’ association. The outcome of these hearings will be crucial in determining the level of trust and confidence in the Greek officials appointed to oversee the transport portfolio and related matters.
Ultimately, the handling of the Tempi case and the broader implications for accountability and transparency in Greece’s transport sector will be closely scrutinized by European authorities and the public. The victims’ relatives have played a critical role in raising awareness of the challenges facing the justice system and the need for reform in the wake of the tragic train accident. Their advocacy efforts have underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for the rail tragedy are held accountable. As the European Parliament proceeds with the hearings for the Commissioners-designate, the outcome will be closely monitored to assess the commitment to transparency and accountability in the transport sector and beyond. The concerns raised by the victims’ association serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and oversight in addressing issues of justice and accountability at both the national and European levels.
