In a heartfelt speech at Parliament on March 6, 2025, during the discussion of the no-confidence motion against the government, Dora Bakoyannis expressed sincere apologies to the parents who lost their children in the Tempi train collision. Her apology was not due to her direct responsibility for the trains but because she has been an MP for many years. “We are all crushed by the tragedy of Tempi,” Bakoyannis said, emphasizing that nothing can compare to losing a child, especially when it happens due to systemic failures. She highlighted the need for accountability and justice for those affected, acknowledging that as MPs, they share responsibility for Greece’s failure to develop a safe railway system over decades.
Bakoyannis also addressed the hundreds of thousands of people protesting in the streets, stating that this is a heavy duty and responsibility taken on by the government since day one. The New Democracy party leader criticized opposition parties for trivializing public sentiment, accusing them of attempting to confine widespread public anger into narrow partisan boxes. She particularly criticized PASOK’s Panagiotis Doukoudakis, labeling his rhetoric dismissive and inappropriate given the gravity of the situation. Additionally, she remarked on the ‘unholy alliance’ between PASOK and SYRIZA, pointing out their conflicting past stances.
Concluding her speech, Bakoyannis urged everyone to learn from the tragedy without resorting to partisan lenses. She reiterated the high expectations of the Greek people and emphasized the global challenges facing Greece, including geopolitical tensions and European instability. As such, she argued, the prime minister must steer Greece safely toward elections in two years while ensuring stability amidst these uncertainties.