The resumption of Greek rail service has been overshadowed by national protests | Photo: Politico

The gradual resumption of Greek rail service is expected to begin today.

National rail service was suspended in the wake of the February 28 train collision in the north of the country which killed 57—the deadliest rail accident in the country’s history. The disaster prompted the resignation of the Greek transportation minister and calls for a parliamentary committee to investigate the crash.

Since the tragedy, the country has been gripped by protests, spurred by anger at Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the ruling, center-right New Democracy Party (EPP) over their perceived failure to prevent the accident. These protests have intensified in recent weeks after police met nonviolent protestors with violence, including the use of a police vehicle to ram demonstrators. In the wake of these developments, Mitsotakis sacked National Police Chief Constantinos Skoumas.

Expect anti-government protests to continue over the coming weeks. Skoumas’ sacking is unlikely to reduce public outrage, especially as hearings over the cause of the crash begin. The disaster and subsequent protests are likely to severely hamper Mitsotakis and the EPP’s performance in the May general elections, with polls already indicating a steep fall in the EPP’s support following the crash—potentially removing the party from power.