Twelve years after the informal referendum in 2014, where a resounding 'no' was recorded against privatization plans for water, civil society in Thessaloniki is striving to organize the first legally sanctioned municipal referendum in Greece. This referendum is focused on the creation of a Metropolitan Park rich in greenery and culture in the area of the Thessaloniki International Fair (DETH). The initiative has gained considerable public backing, evidenced by the submission of a petition with the signatures of 23,214 citizens that support the referendum request.

However, the process has quickly turned into a legal battle, temporarily halting the efforts of the Referendum Organizing Committee regarding the revitalization of DETH. Members of the initiative and opposition factions in the Thessaloniki municipal council are accusing the mayor of reluctance to proceed with the referendum, attributing this hesitation to alignment with government interests. In response, the municipal administration insists on adhering to the legal requirements surrounding the referendum process.

The implications of this legal dispute extend beyond the immediate referendum. It reflects broader tensions in local governance and public participation in democratic processes in Greece, highlighting the complexities of civic engagement and governmental accountability. The outcome of this referendum could set a precedent for future citizen-led initiatives and influence public policy regarding urban development and green spaces.