Today, the Greek political thermometer is set to soar as the Parliament votes on one of the most critical issues in recent years: the establishment of a Pre-Trial Committee for former Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis. The vote centers around whether he will be referred for pre-trial examination over alleged misconduct. This vote is considered a confidence vote for the government, with the ruling party expecting at least 154 votes from its members. Additional support might come from independent lawmakers Dimitris Kyriazidis and Haris Katsevarda. Thus, the expected total number of votes supporting the referral could reach 156.
The discussion promises to be intense, especially following accusations by Maria Karystianou, representing victims’ families, that she received threats after filing a formal accusation against Prime Minister Mitsotakis. These allegations have sparked heated debate, with some labeling them unprecedented during peacetime. Prime Minister Mitsotakis is set to address the Parliament today, rejecting claims of ‘ultimate betrayal,’ emphasizing trust in the justice system, and stating that if the Judicial Council finds any wrongdoing, his party will facilitate further legal proceedings.
Opposition parties, including PASOK, Greek Solution, Victory, Liberty Rowing, Democracy Movement, and others, are pushing for broader investigations involving several ministers and officials across different governments. They accuse the current administration of exploiting the tragedy politically. In response, the government criticizes the opposition for using sensational tactics rather than focusing on safety improvements. The session is expected to last long into the night, concluding with the announcement of results post-midnight.