Greek PM calls election amid outrage over train crash

"The country needs clear skies … our work continues more boldly and with fewer compromises," Mitsotakis said during a televised cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Mitsotakis, the 55-year-old son of the late former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, has remained popular throughout his four-year term. 

But more recently his reputation has been dented by allegations of wiretapping by state security services, as well as the government's failure to protect rail network safety.

The election is unlikely to produce a new government.