Organised by the Association for the Protection and Promotion of the Pagasitikos Gulf, the protest began at 11.30 outside the former Bank of Greece building in the city, and organisers said dozens of civic, scientific and professional groups joined the mobilisation. Campaigners say the project would deepen risks to the fragile gulf ecosystem, increase the danger of accidents and damage key local economies, notably tourism and fisheries.
Speakers and statements issued in the run-up to the rally emphasised broad local opposition. The association and participating bodies called on citizens to turn out in force to communicate a single message to the government: respect the environmental and social concerns of Magnesia and halt plans for the LNG unit. International environmental organisations, including Greenpeace Greece and WWF Greece, have publicly opposed the installation, organisers said.
The protest was staged in front of a building owned by Dragnis, identified in local reports as the principal shareholder of the company proposing the LNG project, a choice intended to underline the local dimension of the dispute.
Participants vowed to continue pressure through public actions and formal channels until authorities and decision makers withdraw the proposal or provide satisfactory guarantees that environmental and economic risks will be addressed.
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