87th TEF – OT Forum – ND MP Gioulekas: The first ticket will be issued on the Thessaloniki metro in 2024

Any costs that exist will certainly have to be taken because, evaluating the priorities, any planning changes when such phenomena arise.

This was emphasized by ND MP, Kostas Gioulekas, speaking at the OT Forum held in the context of the 87th TIF and underlining that “the heart of Greece this year, instead of beating in Thessaloniki, beats in Thessaly. That is where our eyes and interest are directed.”

In relation to whether the state mechanism functioned correctly in the management of the deluge, the ruling party Thessaloniki MP said, among other things: “Not all issues have been resolved. We must face these phenomena together in the most critical and difficult phase of the phenomena. Then of course to identify and attribute responsibilities where they belong. If there are responsibilities to ministers and officials and to anyone they must be attributed. Here one cannot hide behind one’s position.” He assured that there will immediately be a plan for the reconstruction of Thessaly.

On Thessaloniki and Northern Greece

Regarding the two emblematic projects that are expected to change the city of Thessaloniki, the metro and the flyover, Mr. Gioulekas noted that he has personally suggested that the prime minister should announce when the first metro ticket will be issued with an exact date, because , as he pointed out, the people of Thessalonica cannot bear any more promises for this project. He estimates that this will happen in the first half of 2024.

About the flyover that will absorb a large part of the city’s traffic, he said its construction will begin in December to be completed as soon as possible.

“These works, which are emblematic and very important, Mr. Gioulekas emphasized among others, “they attest to the narrow-mindedness that existed because of the Athenian-centric state. Greece does not begin and end in Kolonaki. Foreign companies realized that a huge hinterland was opening up here in Northern Greece. Thessaloniki is a hub city, it must, therefore, have infrastructure.” He also added that “when at the moment the steam engine of Greece is North Greece, it does not take imagination to say that priority should be given. Northern Greece has many advantages that if used, the benefit is overall for the country”.