In a recent letter addressed to Spyros Bougias, the president of the Thessaloniki City Council, Maria Keki, the representative of the Organizational Committee for the Referendum on the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), has called for the resolution of illegalities to enable the continuation of the referendum process. She emphasized the importance of adhering to the legal prerequisites as mandated by law and stated that the matter should be presented for discussion within the City Council. The letter expresses concern over municipal services exceeding their authority by creating arbitrary interpretations that hinder the referendum's progression, thereby obstructing the free expression of the will of Thessaloniki's citizens on a significant issue affecting the city.

Keki's communication highlights her organization's surprise at claims by the municipal service regarding an alleged lack of "legal signatures." She firmly contends that the demand for the TIF referendum meets the necessary legal requirement of having the requisite number of signatures from eligible voters and residents. This assertion calls into question the municipal authority's actions and interpretations, asserting that they are not in line with the legal framework intended to facilitate civic engagement in decision-making processes.

The implications of this situation are significant for the political landscape in Thessaloniki, as local governance faces scrutiny regarding its commitment to democratic processes and the rights of citizens to partake in referendums that impact their community. The unfolding of this situation will not only test the relationship between the city's administration and its constituents but may also set a precedent for future citizen-driven initiatives and their viability within Greek law.