THESS another Thessaloniki?
At the time of writing these lines, the PTH has inaugurated the 86th International Exhibition of Thessaloniki, has left and the week is passing to reach the weekend of the official opposition leader.
Mr. Mitsotakis attempted in his speech to give an account of the actions of his government, and with moderation, relief measures for vulnerable groups, and the middle class, and encouraging measures.
No one has any objection to the measures. The political dust rose on the issue of monitoring, to come down and sit on the issue of changing the electoral law. Kyriakos Mitsotakis proved once again that he is distinguished by the consistency of words and deeds. No elections before the end of the four years, no change to the electoral law.
At the time of writing these lines and having experienced TIF more than 50 times, I have the following to say:
The Exhibition as we used to call it, can acquire its old glory and to put it better, it can go a step further. I am referring to its developmental, purely business, but also social dimension.
If one puts on the table the reconstruction which, according to the statements that followed the meeting of the prime minister with the management of TIF-Hellexpo, will proceed within the schedule, then the future looks bright. TIF is gaining international recognition, participating countries are increasing, along with traffic and innovation. Most this year have reportedly been raptured. The city’s hotels were sold out. Travel and nightclubs pick up speed. The business world is grumbling about the two weekends of demonstrations and speeches, claiming that the closed streets are also closing their shops. Accepted, but the sign is again positive.
We locals in the two difficult weekends, if we have an alternative we leave. The bet that was – if you ask me – that the experts will manage to keep us here. That the life of Thessaloniki should not be hindered by the work of the organization, on the contrary, that the city should come alive and be even more friendly. And why not pedestrianized? Since cars are banned on the weekends in question anyway. With the Metro something like this will be possible. In addition to the first city there will be a single ticket for the main museums, and at the same time a tourist map of it with its cultural routes (see castles and Upper Town) and of course with its wonderful museums. In addition, a creative collaboration with the commercial associations of the Municipalities of metropolitan Thessaloniki could generate fruitful ideas for strengthening the local economy.
In addition: In times plagued by unemployment, let alone in long-suffering Northern Greece and while the economic giants are in the city for at least a week through their delegations, it would be a good idea to make a daily attempt to connect the demand with the labor force of the city .
I would do that.
But you tell me, who am I to suggest? Local bodies always know best.
*Published in “MtK” on 17-18.09.2022