The progressive opposition parties will table today a motion of no-confidence against centre-right New Democracy party amid accusations of alleged efforts to protect politicians responsible for a deadly train accident that killed 57 people, mainly young.

Greek socialist Pasok and leftist Syriza, the New Left and Course of Freedom parties agreed late last night on the text  for a motion of no-confidence.

Sources told Euractiv that the text mainly focuses on the government’s responsibilities for the 2023 train accident, accusing them of cover-up and inaction.

The sources also said that in the text, other topics related to the country’s rule of law will also be cited such as a wiretapping scandal, the so-called “Greek Watergate.”

The train accident has triggered strong reactions. Last week, millions of Greeks protested across the country and abroad calling on the judges who investigate the case to prosecute then-Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis.

Opinion polls suggest that the train accident has dealt a severe blow to the government.

According to the latest poll conducted by Pulse before the protests, 56% of respondents showed dissatisfaction with the way the government had handled the train accident.

When it comes to voting intention, New Democracy still leads with 24% followed by Pasok (13%), Syriza and Course of Freedom with 7% each and conservative Voice of Reason 4%.

Greek Trumpists oppose the motion

The motion of no-confidence is not expected to pass as New Democracy still has a majority in the Greek parliament.

However, analysts in Athens suggest that the move will likely bring the opposition progressive parties closer.

On the other hand, conservative Greek Solution and Voice of Reason whose leaders come from the ranks of New Democracy and have expressed pro-Trump views, will vote against the motion of no-confidence.

They both said the motion will bring the opposite results as it will unite the government and throw them a lifeline.

Several Greek media reports have suggested that the pro-Trump conservative parties could be an alternative government option for New Democracy in case they decide to go for snap elections.

Both parties have ruled out such a scenario.

Meanwhile, after Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ rhetoric became more conservative.

He said that he only recognises two genders and that he would never like to see the US’s woke agenda in Greece.

Source: Euractiv.com