P. Psomiadis, the former prefect of Thessaloniki, has been sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison for his involvement in a corruption scandal that revolved around a series of public works contracts known as the "45s". These projects, which date back to the period between 2007 and 2010, were allegedly split into smaller contracts valued at up to 45,000 euros to facilitate direct assignments and rigged competitions favoring particular contractors. The case involved 456 projects and highlighted systemic issues in public procurement governance in the region.

During a lengthy trial, the Thessaloniki Criminal Court found the 78-year-old guilty of breach of trust, complicity in breach of trust, and false certification, noting that the total damage to the public sector was estimated at approximately 6.5 million euros. The court acknowledged mitigating circumstances, citing the defendant's good behavior since the events in question. Therefore, while his prison sentence is to be served at home, the execution has been suspended pending an appeal for a retrial.

This ruling reflects broader concerns regarding corruption within local government and public institutions in Greece. The extensive nature of the offenses and their implications for public trust in municipal authorities underscore the need for reform in public procurement practices to prevent similar cases in the future.