Greece is facing widespread disruption as a 24-hour general strike has brought the country to a standstill on the second anniversary of a devastating train crash near Thessaloniki that claimed 57 lives. Trains and ferries are halted, flights grounded, and public services disrupted as massive rallies take place nationwide. The protests are fueled by public anger and a demand for a thorough and independent investigation into the accident.
Nationwide Strike and Demonstrations
The general strike, called by major labor unions, has seen hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets across Greece. In Athens, a large crowd gathered in front of the Hellenic Parliament, demanding justice for the victims of the train crash and accountability for those responsible. "The full truth must be revealed and those responsible for the accident must be held accountable regardless of their rank," said Janis Panagopulos, the head of the country's largest trade union federation, GSEE.
The ongoing investigation has primarily attributed the tragedy to human error and technical shortcomings in railway safety, a finding that has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among the public and the opposition. Many believe the investigation is not going far enough and are calling for a more comprehensive and independent inquiry.
Clashes in Athens
While many protests were peaceful, tensions flared in Athens, where some demonstrators clashed with riot police outside the Hellenic Parliament. Reports indicate that Molotov cocktails and stones were thrown at the police, who responded with tear gas. 
These clashes highlight the deep-seated anger and frustration felt by many Greeks over the handling of the train crash investigation and broader issues of government accountability.
"We will continue until we see an end to this policy," declared one protester, reflecting the determination of many to keep the pressure on the government until their demands are met.
Demands for Accountability
The protests underscore the widespread public dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in Greece. The tragic train accident has become a symbol of systemic failures and a lack of accountability. 
The demonstrators are demanding that the government take responsibility for the shortcomings in railway safety and ensure that those responsible for the accident are brought to justice, regardless of their position or influence.
The situation remains tense, and it is unclear how the government will respond to the ongoing protests and demands for accountability. The events of the past few days have exposed deep divisions within Greek society and highlight the challenges facing the country as it grapples with the aftermath of the tragic train crash.