On Thursday afternoon, the Prime Minister delivered a speech presenting projects underway and planned in Thessaloniki.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, accompanied by numerous ministers and New Democracy officials, is in the capital of Macedonia ahead of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) to coordinate government preparations. In his speech, he spoke about projects completed and ongoing in both the city center and greater Thessaloniki, covering transportation, healthcare, and education.

As announced, €120 million from national funds will be allocated for upgrading the TIF site. “No hotel will be built, there will be no private participation,” he clarified.

“Our obligation is to speak through our work and to improve the lives of the citizens of Central Macedonia, the residents of Thessaloniki, and the entire country. What is being done and planned in Thessaloniki has not been seen in the city for decades. I would like to briefly highlight some projects. We discussed the Thessaloniki metro, and I noticed skepticism as we approached completion, about whether this important project would become a reality. Thessaloniki has embraced it, it has showcased the cultural wealth of the Balkan metropolis, and it will soon reach Kalamaria, certainly by the first quarter of 2026. At the same time, we address the needs of Western and Northwestern Thessaloniki. I give priority to studies and funding requirements. The needs for the Suburban Railway are absolute and crucial. Thessaloniki’s central station will connect with Sindos. A brief mention of healthcare: by early 2027, Thessaloniki will have the most modern pediatric hospital not only in the country but in Europe. In education, 17 schools will have been renovated by the start of the 2026 school year under the Marietta Giannakou program. Additionally, there are no longer any active occupations at universities; they have been returned to professors, students, and society,” the Prime Minister stated.

Regarding Interventions at the TIF Site
“I am pleased today to announce the government’s proposal for upgrading the TIF site. No hotel will be built, there will be no private participation, and the project will be funded with €120 million from national resources. The footprint will remain the same, Vellidio Hall, a city landmark, will be renovated, and significant green space will be added. At the same time, a 600-space parking lot will be built to serve the city center. We want the municipal authority’s support on this,” he said.

“I want to conclude with a general remark placing Greece in a broader European context. Today, in one of Europe’s strongest countries, France, there is a severe economic crisis: a fragmented political system unable to reach consensus, and an economy producing not a surplus but a huge deficit. Other countries are in similar situations, facing excessive deficits and having to implement tax increases and spending cuts. In this context, Greece produces primary surpluses, giving us the opportunity to discuss not increases, but tax reductions, and not cuts, but new expenditures. This highlights the crucial importance of political stability, with a single-party government implementing its program. Against fake news, we will respond with our work, and the people of Thessaloniki know they can face a government that looks them in the eye and says four simple words: we promised, and we delivered,” Mitsotakis concluded.

Earlier Meetings
Earlier, the Prime Minister met with MPs from Thessaloniki A’ and B’ constituencies and New Democracy list MPs. Among other topics, they discussed the progress of major infrastructure projects in Thessaloniki. MPs stressed the need to avoid delays. According to sources, it will be announced within the day that TIF will not be relocated from the city center to the western suburbs.

The meeting included Vice Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Secretary of the Political Committee Kostas Skrekas, and party officials. The discussion focused on Thessaloniki issues and preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit next week for the inauguration of the 89th TIF on Saturday, September 6.

Discussions also covered TIF measures, with MPs requesting family support and the Prime Minister signaling he will move in that direction, without going into details, which will be revealed in his speech next Saturday.

Arrival at Thessaloniki Concert Hall
Upon arriving at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Deputy Minister of Interior (Macedonia and Thrace) Kostas Gioulekas. Following the meeting, Mitsotakis will attend and speak at an event presenting Thessaloniki’s projects.

As reported earlier by protothema.gr, Mitsotakis aims to send the message that Northern Greece is now firmly on the government’s radar for the first time, as a series of critical projects are underway. He also faces the challenge of addressing the disappointment of many citizens in working-class areas of Thessaloniki and beyond, due mainly to the high cost of living, as well as the rise of right-leaning parties in areas where New Democracy traditionally held influence, such as Greek Solution by Kyriakos Velopoulos, NIKI, and Voice of Reason led by Aphrodite Latinopoulou.

The day began at 10:00 with a meeting with New Democracy MPs from Thessaloniki A’ and B’ constituencies, with participation from list MPs. Mitsotakis also planned to meet university rectors regarding the implementation of stricter safety and academic regulations, and following the Thessaloniki project presentations, he will meet representatives from Northern Greece’s productive and scientific sectors.

Already in Thessaloniki is Vice Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, who, along with Minister of Interior Theodoros Livanios, met with mayors of Northern Greece. Also present were Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis and his deputy Nikos Papathanasis, Minister of Environment Stavros Papastavrou, Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis, Minister of Education Sofia Zacharaki, Minister of Labor Niki Kerameos, Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos, Minister of Infrastructure Christos Dimas, Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, and Deputy Minister of Sports Giannis Vroutsis.

From deputy ministers, attendees included Nikos Tagaras (Environment), Lazaros Tsavdaridis (Development), Stavros Kalafatis (Research & Innovation), Kostas Gioulekas (Macedonia-Thrace), and Nikos Takhiaos (Infrastructure).

Mitsotakis was also accompanied by several Maximos Mansion officials, including Akis Skertsos, Giorgos Mylonakis, Thanasis Kontogeorgis, Giorgos Efthymiou, Michalis Bekiris (responsible for the Prime Minister’s Thessaloniki office), along with party advisor Thanasis Nezis, New Democracy Secretary Kostas Skrekas, Director General Giannis Smyrlis, spokesperson Alexandra Sdoukou, and the Chair of the Board Zisis Ioakeimovits.