Thessaloniki placed under heavy security for 90th trade fair, with metro stations closed and center inaccessible

Thessaloniki is preparing for the opening of its 90th International Trade Fair with a security operation involving more than 3,500 police officers and extensive restrictions across the city center.

Japan is this year’s honored country, and the fair has drawn strong political, economic and business interest. Particular attention is focused on the prime minister’s traditional opening speech. Demonstrations began on Friday and are expected to peak on Saturday, when the fair opens.

Police will use drones, preventive checks and roughly 60 riot-control units to manage planned rallies and marches. Drones will transmit live images to the operations center at Thessaloniki Police Headquarters, giving commanders continuous updates on the demonstrations. Police have already deployed substantial forces along central roads where protests are expected.

Eight Thessaloniki metro stations will stop operating temporarily from 3 p.m. Their reopening will depend on the course of the demonstrations and conditions in the city center. Police vans and barriers will be placed around the “I. Vellidis” convention center to prevent protesters from approaching the International Exhibition Center. A water-cannon vehicle will also remain ready if needed.

The measures follow the security framework used in previous years, with an emphasis on preventing incidents and protecting the movement of residents, citizens and visitors. State Security and other specialized police services will take roles according to their areas of responsibility. Two prosecutors, one in the city center and one at the police operations center, will monitor the implementation of the measures. Public hospital and health-sector workers were among the first groups to demonstrate.