Thessaloniki: Referendum on Thessaloniki International Fair Rejected

The Thessaloniki City Council rejected a request for a referendum regarding the redevelopment of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). The vote concluded with 29 votes against, 7 in favor, and 6 abstentions.

The Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, stated that the city needs decisions and projects, not delays and division. He supported the creation of a large open park of 120 acres and the TIF remaining in the city center, without real estate development.

Maria Keki, representing the Referendum Organizing Committee, emphasized that the redevelopment concerns the entire city and that 23,214 signatures were collected.

The President of TIF – HELEXPO, Christos Tsentemeidis, presented the redevelopment plan, which includes converting 70% of the TIF area into a Metropolitan Park with 120 acres of greenery.

Former Mayor Konstantinos Zervas favored a referendum with a realistic question and ensured high participation.

The vote was conducted by name, with 29 councilors voting against the request, 7 voting in favor, and 6 abstaining.