3,500 policemen, drones and even snipers have been deployed to Greece’s second biggest city of Thessaloniki as Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is visiting the International Fair (TIF) over the weekend. The measures are justified as several workers unions are planning large march protests and authorities fear attacks by anti-authoritarians due to the recent raid of squats in Exarchia district of the Greek capital.
Riots police squads have been deployed from Athens, vehicles with water cannons have taken place in order to disperse angry troublemakers.
The protest rallies are scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Already on Saturday morning, special police teams either in uniforms or civilian clothes are conducting preventive checks on persons gathering for the unions protest rallies. Should molotov cocktail bombs or other dangerous items are found the suspects will be arrested on the spot, media report.
Traffic regulations have been implemented, roads are to close to traffic on and off, while parking cars is forbidden in areas near the International Fair and the nearby Aristotle University.
Security measures will be in effect over the weekend and also on Monday.
Following the Greek political tradition, PM Mitsotakis went to Thessaloniki with a basket of goodies, promises and measures for the productive classes and the citizens. His slogan is “Growth For All.” He will announce his program on Saturday evening, a thorough press conference will follow Sunday noon.
Honored country this year is India, one of the largest markets in the world. 1,000 elephants decorate the streets of Thessaloniki.
With 1,600 fair participant, the 84th Thessaloniki International Fair will have its gates open until September 15, 2019.
