Winemakers

Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris said on Friday that municipal officers will begin enforcing Greece's largely flouted smoking ban in all enclosed public spaces after the Easter holidays.
Speaking to journalists, Boutaris said smoking has continued in enclosed public spaces despite the ban.
"We are the only country where laws are not enforced," he said at a press briefing.

Outgoing Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris is among the prominent figures who have signed up to the political initiative Gefyra (meaning "bridge"), which publicized a text on Monday calling on the country's progressive forces to "block the path of the right and the extreme right."

Outgoing Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris is among the prominent figures who have signed up to the political initiative Gefyra (meaning "bridge"), which publicized a text on Monday calling on the country's progressive forces to "block the path of the right and the extreme right."

Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris said Friday that Jewish monuments will be repaired no matter how many times they are vandalized and urged people not to tolerate vandalism.

Twelve people, including the former governor for Central Macedonia Panagiotis Psomiadis, have been ordered to stand trial at a Thessaloniki misdemeanors court for an assault against the northern port city's Mayor Yiannis Boutaris last May.

Yiannis Boutaris will be missed from Greek politics. Whatever one's ideological preferences - Thessaloniki's outgoing mayor defies easy political catagorization - few would disagree that Boutaris is one of the few (in fact very few) politicians who dares to speak the truth, unpleasant as it might be. He never hesitated to express his opinion, even if it went against that of the mainstream.

Explaining his reasons for not seeking a third term, Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris said Thursday at a press conference that he was "tired" and admitted to making mistakes. He also said he brought about important changes in the northern city. "It's time for the doors to open to younger people," the 73-year-old said. [ANA-MPA]

Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris on Wednesday revealed his intention not to seek a third term at the helm of the northern city's municipal authority as speculation mounts ahead of elections scheduled for May.

According to thestival.gr, Boutaris informed his deputy mayors of his decision during a meeting on Wednesday.

Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris was on Wednesday expected to announce whether he will run in municipal elections next year.

The 76-year-old, who has in the past suggested that two terms are enough for a mayor, is scheduled to hold a press briefing on Thursday.

Seven former board members of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, including the northern port city's mayor and a deputy mayor, have been remanded to trial over the alleged misappropriation of funds while at the helm of the leading cultural event in 2011-2014.