Speeches, protests and an elusive Prime Minister
International Fair of Thessaloniki. The Greek government has moved to Thessaloniki, so have the protests.
There is a special place in the heart of Greek politics for the yearly
Prime Minister’s address at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair.
The address to business and trade representatives usually contains
announcements on economic policy bringing Thessaloniki, Greece΄s second
largest city, to the center of the nation΄s attention. Everything you
want to know, from next year΄s budget priorities, to the latest
political gossip is being discussed inside the Vellidion Conference
Center and at numerous, informal venues, (a.k.a tavernas) . The
Thessaloniki Fair marks the end of summer and sometimes also the end of
governments (a few years ago, the press conference following PM
Caramanlis’ address sealed his fate). This year΄s Fair boasts a few
extra ingredients : a hefty amount of troika visits, a toxic social
climate, a disgruntled, even outraged population. That’s why PM
Papandreou tried to avoid visiting Thessaloniki this year, but to no
avail.
This weekend is not an easy one for the PM. Large groups of people, political parties and organizations, students and a few hooligans prepare to clash. A huge police force has descended upon Thessaloniki, a police force strong enough to place one officer in each block of the city, but nearly not large enough for anyone to feel safe this afternoon in the city
ThePressProject will be offering full coverage from inside and outside the heavily guarded fair grounds. Our journalists will talk to the organizations getting ready to show their displeasure, while distinguished commentators will comment live on PM Papandreou’s two press conferences. Read or listen to our correspondent’s reports, follow events live through our twitter feed, get a feel of what’s going on through our dynamic maps and, if you are really prepared to go that far, watch every single politician speak live.
Live coverage, in english, begins at 18.00 Greek time. Papandreou΄s address is scheduled for 20.00 pm.
This weekend is not an easy one for the PM. Large groups of people, political parties and organizations, students and a few hooligans prepare to clash. A huge police force has descended upon Thessaloniki, a police force strong enough to place one officer in each block of the city, but nearly not large enough for anyone to feel safe this afternoon in the city
ThePressProject will be offering full coverage from inside and outside the heavily guarded fair grounds. Our journalists will talk to the organizations getting ready to show their displeasure, while distinguished commentators will comment live on PM Papandreou’s two press conferences. Read or listen to our correspondent’s reports, follow events live through our twitter feed, get a feel of what’s going on through our dynamic maps and, if you are really prepared to go that far, watch every single politician speak live.
Live coverage, in english, begins at 18.00 Greek time. Papandreou΄s address is scheduled for 20.00 pm.