In Thessaloniki, a citizens' initiative is approaching a crucial milestone in their campaign for Greece's first municipal referendum aimed at creating a Metropolitan Park boasting abundant greenery and cultural features in the vicinity of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). Members of the organizing committee for the referendum have announced that they have not only gathered the required 23,000 signatures from local residents but have significantly exceeded this number. The next step involves submitting the request to the City Council of Thessaloniki for formal discussion and consideration.

Simultaneously, the current mayor, Stelios Angeloudis, and his political faction appear reluctant to support this community initiative, as they align themselves with a recent government commitment towards the revitalization plan for the largest publicly held area located in the heart of Thessaloniki. This conflict highlights the differing priorities between citizen-led initiatives focused on green spaces and governmental projects that may prioritize urban development over sustainability and public engagement.

As the citizens' group accelerates its efforts, there’s concern about the potential cancellation of the law facilitating the referendum process. The urgency of their action reflects a significant grassroots momentum, as citizens advocate for local control over urban planning and seek to reclaim public spaces for ecological and cultural benefit amid governmental pushes for development.