By Antonis Anzoletou

A weekend of mourning, sadness, reflection, but also decisions is what is coming for the Maximos Palace. The atmosphere in the country since the train tragedy in Tempe is heavy and it takes a long time for everyday life to return to normal. All political and party activities have “frozen” and Greece has emerged in the most violent and unpleasant way from the pre-election period it has been in for some time. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as in the cases of the fires in August 2021, but also in the wiretapping case, moved quickly on the question of assigning responsibilities. Costas Karamanlis, by resigning from his portfolio, made it easier for New Democracy, but also for the prime minister.

The planning in Herodos Attikou is changing and the big question is to what extent it will affect the time when the polls will be set up. It is clear that all the attention and energy from the government camp is focused on caring for the injured, supporting the families of the victims and investigating the causes of the accident. The elections take a second place and only the end of the constitutional term of the government that is approaching reminds them. Without Kyriakos Mitsotakis having ever made public his intentions, all the information concluded that on March 9 the Parliament would be dissolved in order for the elections to take place on April 9. The government’s reflexes so far, with the resignation of both the heads of OSE and ERGOSE and the placement of Giorgos Gerapetritis in the Ministry of Transport, could be interpreted as a will not to change the basic planning.

The fact that the cabinet will not take place on Friday, and a number of initiatives and legislation will be delayed, probably changes the situation. THE Kyriakos Mitsotakis he had never opened his papers. Given that the week after April 9th ​​is Easter, the time when the elections can be held will be the subject of discussion. The three days of May Day on the 30th of the same month must also be included in the “equation”. With this in mind, April 23rd is now a new milestone. With the asterisk, May may be the solution for the country to heal its wounds from the national tragedy.

Time stood still in Tempe, the country mourns, yet the next day by the political forces that wish to take power should be planned on the basis of avoiding similar tragic incidents. This should be done away from petty partisan expediencies and with respect for lost souls. The tragic accident in Tempe and the causes of the tragedy will be fatally included in the pre-election conversation.