Maria Karystianou, the prominent president of the association representing families of the Tempe train crash victims, has confirmed plans to launch a new "collective political initiative," stirring controversy within the movement demanding justice for the 57 dead.
Speaking to the daily Efimerida ton Syntakton, Mrs. Karystianou described the effort as a necessary response to deep public distrust in Greece’s established political system.
While she stopped short of labeling it a political party—arguing the term is tainted by the "old system"—she revealed that a committee of "wise people" is already drafting policy proposals on the economy, defense, and healthcare.
"Many people are asking for something collective… telling me: ‘Don’t stop. Move forward,’" Mrs. Karystianou said.
The announcement marks a significant pivot more than two years after the February 2023 disaster, but it has exposed fractures among the bereaved families.
Nikos Plakias, who lost twin daughters in the crash, warned that entering the political arena invites inevitable scrutiny.
"If someone chooses to enter politics, they will be judged as a politician," Mr. Plakias told iefimerida.gr.
Pavlos Aslanidis, whose 26-year-old son died in the tragedy, went further, insisting Mrs. Karystianou must step down from her role in the victims' association if she intends to lead a political group.
"That is not our purpose," Mr. Aslanidis said.
The internal dispute highlights the tension between maintaining the moral authority of the tragedy and translating it into political action as accountability for the disaster remains a dominant issue in Greek public life.