“I’m to blame! Of course I’m to blame! I’m to blame because I allowed politicians to devalue our lives. I saw scandals that went unpunished and I said ‘That’s how things are in Greece…'” declared Maria Karystianou to Cyprus’ Down Town magazine, as shown in new excerpts from the interview being released, with the full interview expected to be published this Sunday (18.01.2026).
Specifically, Maria Karystianou revealed that she feels responsible for the Tempi train disaster, explained that she will never board a train or metro again, and spoke once more about the political party she will participate in, which she believes will provide solutions to the problems plaguing Greece.
“Why do you feel guilty? You’re not to blame for the disaster…”
“I’m to blame! Of course I’m to blame! I’m to blame because I allowed politicians to devalue our lives. I saw scandals that went unpunished and I said ‘That’s how things are in Greece…’. Through my tolerance, I allowed our country to become the most corrupt in Europe. Because at the end of the day, we are the ones who allow it”.
Maria Karystianou: The name and date of official announcements have not been finalized
“Well, this is what you’re saying and everyone is waiting for the moment when you will officially announce the creation of the party that, as rumored, you will lead…”
“The citizens’ movement is truly being organized and I believe it will manage to mature enough to claim the vote of the Greek people with dignity and with a program that will provide solutions to the problems afflicting the country. Its name and the date of official announcements have not been finalized, because it’s not a personal decision – it will be the result of a collective process in which I actively participate”.
You won’t board a train again?
“I don’t even enter Thessaloniki’s metro! I don’t want to board a train again, no. Not out of fear – although they are dangerous – but because I can’t bear it. I don’t even want to pass in front of the railway station. I prefer to take a whole detour to avoid seeing the train tracks.
