The Hellenic Parliament has finalised the composition of the preliminary inquiry committee that will investigate potential responsibilities related to the Tempi railway disaster.
A total of 27 Members of Parliament (MPs) have been selected to participate in the committee, which is set to probe the role of former Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, Christos Triantopoulos, in allegedly tampering with the accident scene.
The inquiry was requested by PASOK, which has raised concerns over Mr. Triantopoulos’ actions following the tragic incident. The committee will operate with the authority of a first-instance prosecutor and is expected to complete its investigation within two months.
Composition of the Inquiry Committee
The political parties have now chosen their representatives for the investigation. The ruling New Democracy party holds the majority with 14 MPs: Asimina Skondra, Athanasios Zebilis, Alexandros Markogiannakis, Stavros Papasotiriou, Pericles Mantas, Gina Economou, Neoklis Kritikos, Angeliki Delikari, Giorgos Vrettakos, Giorgos Kotsos, Konstantina Karampatsolis, Maria Kefala, Konstantinos Kefalogiannis, and Panagis Kappatos.
PASOK has appointed Milena Apostolaki, Evangelia Liakoulis, and Giorgos Moulikiotis. SYRIZA will be represented by Giorgos Gavrilos and Vassilis Kokkalis, both of whom were part of the previous parliamentary commission investigating the Tempi disaster. The Greek Communist Party (KKE) has named Maria Komninaka and Nikos Karathanasopoulos, who also participated in the earlier inquiry.
Dimitris Tzanakopoulos will represent the New Left, while the Eleftheria Party’s leader has expressed interest in participating. Other members include Paraschos Papadakis from Hellenic Solution, Tasos Economopoulos from Niki, and Giannis Kontis from the Spartans. Notably, both Papadakis and Economopoulos are also lawyers.
Independent MPs Show Strong Interest
With 22 independent MPs currently in Parliament, the selection process has seen heightened interest. More than seven independent MPs have applied for a place on the committee, and a draw will determine who will participate.
Leadership and Proceedings
The committee is expected to convene for its first meeting in the coming days, possibly as early as Friday. During this session, the chairman will be elected. It is widely anticipated that Kefalonian MP Panagis Kappatos will assume this role.
As per parliamentary protocol, the proceedings of the committee will remain confidential and take place behind closed doors. The meetings will not be televised, reflecting the committee’s prosecutorial authority in its investigative capacity.
The Tempi tragedy remains a deeply significant event for Greece, and this inquiry marks another step in the search for accountability and justice.