Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled a comprehensive regional development strategy for northern Greece during a public presentation in Thessaloniki. Speaking at an event titled National Strategy for Regional and Local Development: Northern Greece, Mitsotakis highlighted major investments in public transport, healthcare, road networks, and higher education aimed at turning the city into an economic hub for the Balkans.
Mitsotakis recalled a woman at Mikra station telling him she had grown old waiting for the transport link, reflecting decades of unfulfilled obligations by central government toward Thessaloniki. He said the government prioritized northern Greek projects, noting the Thessaloniki Metro would cost more than 2 billion euros. He added that the construction effort began 40 years ago and overcame significant obstacles and opposition from local bodies before reaching completion.
The prime minister stated that work on the transit system will continue with rapid expansion toward the northwestern side of the city. The extension will feature two separate branches and numerous new stations. Mitsotakis noted that he requested the maximum acceleration of all required technical studies to push the project forward without delay.
Transport and healthcare infrastructure
Addressing the Flyover elevated expressway project, Mitsotakis said his administration conceptualized and designed the technically complex road project. He explained that construction is progressing rapidly with strong understanding from local residents. The government aims to visit Thessaloniki in May 2027 to officially open the new expressway for public use.
Mitsotakis also highlighted plans for a new pediatric hospital scheduled for delivery within the first months of 2027. He described the facility as the most modern and beautiful children's hospital in the Balkan region. In addition, he referenced the planned redevelopment of the Thessaloniki International Fair site, which will modernize existing facilities and create a central conference venue surrounded by public parkland.
Thessaloniki is Greece's second largest city and serves as an important administrative and commercial center in northern Greece. Mitsotakis emphasised that ongoing investments in the local port and connectivity networks aim to restore the city's role as a primary gateway for western Europe and the Balkan peninsula. He noted that infrastructure projects are designed both to serve citizens and to attract foreign capital.
Highways and university reforms
Regarding the Egnatia highway network, Mitsotakis announced that investment projects exceeding 300 million euros are currently getting underway. He stated that within two years, the upgraded Egnatia motorway will provide a modernized road artery capable of meeting regional connectivity demands across northern Greece.
Mitsotakis contrasted the current condition of local public universities with their status in 2019, stating that past student occupations have been replaced by new libraries. He added that non-state universities operate alongside public institutions, drawing foreign students who pay tuition. He stressed that any remaining obstacles or opposition to higher education reforms will be overcome.
Concluding his remarks, Mitsotakis urged the public to recognize the work accomplished regardless of political affiliation, denying that projects were allocated for party patronage. He said government responsibility requires delivering development to every region of Greece. He added that significant funding will be available under the new fiscal framework to complete long-delayed public works.
