Mother of Greek train crash victim launches new political party

Friday 22 May 2026 - 12:30

Maria Karystianou, a doctor whose daughter was killed in the deadly 2023 Tempi train crash, has launched a new political party in Greece, seeking to channel public anger over the disaster and broader dissatisfaction with the political establishment.

The new party, named “Hope for Democracy,” was officially presented during an event in Thessaloniki. Karystianou has become a prominent figure in Greece’s justice movement following the train collision that killed 57 people and sparked widespread protests across the country.

The crash remains one of the most tragic transport disasters in recent Greek history and has raised ongoing concerns about railway safety, accountability, and institutional transparency. Karystianou’s activism has focused on demanding justice for victims and greater political responsibility.

A major trial related to the accident is currently underway, involving dozens of railway officials and managers accused of negligence and contributing to the fatal crash. However, no political figures have been charged, a situation that has fueled public criticism and allegations of a lack of accountability.

Opinion polls suggest that the new party could gain parliamentary representation, reflecting growing public frustration with traditional political parties and a fragmented opposition landscape in Greece.

Karystianou’s movement emphasizes transport safety, anti-corruption measures, and institutional reform as key priorities ahead of upcoming national elections expected within the next year.