Thessaloniki in the rhythm of the 90th ΔΕΘ: exhibition, protests and unprecedented security measures

Thessaloniki today have become the center of political, economic and social life in Greece: the anniversary celebration has opened 90th International Exhibition ΔΕΘ, and the city is simultaneously preparing for the performance Kyriakos Mitsotakis and several large protests.

The 90th International Exhibition in Thessaloniki takes place from 5 to 13 September and this year has a special anniversary character: it is simultaneously celebrated 100 years since the first ΔΕΘ in 1926.

According to the official organizer ΔΕΘ-Helexpomore than 1000 exhibitors from 25 countriesand the program is divided into 11 thematic areas.

The organizers expect that in nine days the exhibition complex will be visited by about 200 thousand people.

Japan is an honorable country

A special place at the anniversary exhibition is occupied by Japanwhich received the status of an honorary country of the 90th ΔΕΘ.

The Japanese exposition takes up about 3200 sq. m in pavilion No. 13. Technology, the automotive industry, innovation, tourism, culture and gastronomy are represented here.

About 20 large companies and organizations participate in the Japanese program. Visitors are promised new car models, technology demonstrations, calligraphy, traditional martial arts, kimonos, manga, anime and cosplay.

Even the streets around the exhibition complex were decorated with hundreds of symbols of Japan – images of Mount Fuji, Torii Gate, cranes and elements of traditional Japanese culture.

In the evening – the main political event

The main political event of the first day will be the traditional speech by the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Ioannis Vellidis Conference Centre.

The Prime Minister is expected to present a package of approximately 30 economic and social measures: changes in taxation, increased income, support for families, measures for the self-employed, farmers and new solutions in the housing sector.

Athens News has already talked in detail about the preparation of this package in the material “Tax breaks and increases in pensions: what Mitsotakis will promise the Greeks during ΔΕΘ”.

Previously, the prime minister also promised to focus a significant part of the new measures on the middle class: “Mitsotakis promised new measures for the middle class”.

3,500 police, drones and water cannons

However, the atmosphere in the city is far from just festive.

To protect ΔΕΘ and planned political events, more than 3,500 police officers.

According to ERToperationally involved about 60 police unitsas well as special services and forces transferred from neighboring regions.

Police drones monitor what is happening in the city center and transmit images directly to the operations center.

Armored vehicles and two police water cannons – “Αύρα” vehicles – have also been prepared.

Before the start of mass events, the police conduct preventive checks in areas where the largest number of participants is expected.

Several protests at the same time

Traditionally, the opening of ΔΕΘ is accompanied by large-scale trade union and political protests. This year, several promotions have also been announced in different parts of the center of Thessaloniki.

IN 17:00 at the White Tower Representatives of the Pan-Greek Coordination Committee of Farmer Blockades gather.

IN 17:30 at HUNT Square PAME action is planned. Representatives of pensioner organizations and Associations of relatives of those killed in the Tempi disaster.

IN 18:00 at the Venizelos monument central trade union action appointed GSEE, Thessaloniki Work Center and ADEDY.

Simultaneously in 18:00 near Kamara representatives of the extra-parliamentary left opposition and anarchist associations gather.

After the rallies, participants intend to march through the central streets of the city.

For Thessaloniki, such a picture has already become part of the political tradition of ΔΕΘ. For example, in 2024, the Athens News reported on mass protests against the government during the opening of the exhibition: “Citizens against Mitsotakis in TIF: Thessaloniki in the grip of mobilization”.

The city center is effectively closing

From 15:00 the traffic police begin to gradually restrict traffic in the historical center.

The restrictions affect, in particular, Stratu and Niki avenues, 3 September streets, Egnatia, Tsimiski, Ethnikis Aminis, Agias Sophias, Agiou Dimitriou, Pavlou Mela, Venizelou and a number of other central highways.

Official Greek police advises drivers to avoid the center and use detour routes.

Eight metro stations are closing

Some restrictions have also been introduced in the operation of the Thessaloniki metro.

WITH 15:00 eight stations temporarily stop operating. Their opening will depend on the development of the protests and the situation in the city center.

Thus, by the evening, the central part of Thessaloniki actually turns into a space for an exhibition, a political speech and several mass processions at the same time.

From business to politics

ΔΕΘ has long gone beyond the scope of a regular trade show.

For businesses, this is an opportunity to present technologies and find new markets; for governments, it is a traditional platform for announcing economic policy; and for trade unions and public organizations, it is an opportunity to publicly present their demands to the authorities.

That is why the first day of the 90th ΔΕΘ looks especially contrasting: inside the exhibition complex there are technologies, investments and Japanese culture, and literally a few blocks away there are thousands of police officers, closed streets and several protest marches at once.

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