Metro chief defends decision on Thessaloniki antiquities, SYRIZA sees setback

Earlier in the day, the Central Archaeological Council approved by a majority the request of "Attiko Metro SA" to temporarily remove and reposition antiquities in 'Venizelos' station as part of the construction of the Thessaloniki metro. 

"The issue is not just the construction of a station, but the construction of a metro network, which should be delivered to the city as soon as possible. And unfortunately the soonest ...  can be no earlier than April 2023. The decision of CAC which was taken with seriousness and concern is giving us the opportunity to move on," Tahiaos said.

Based on this solution, he underlined, 92 pct of the antiquities will be brought back. "We are bringing them back and we will add antiquities that will be found in the northern and southern entrances," he explained.
Tahiaos guaranteed that the works will continue with the aim of having the Thessaloniki Metro ready in 2023. "We are working hard and I can guarantee that we will work hard to succeed," he said, adding that "we will do our best so that all stations and tunnels and thousands of other pending issues will have been settled by 2023."

Meanwhile, main opposition SYRIZA in an announcement noted that the Central Archaeological Council's decision on the metro station Venizelos violates the legislation and extends the time duration for the completion of the metro while it is known that the city of Thessaloniki needs its operation as soon as possible and increases the cost of the project.

SYRIZA also refers to 'pre-determined decision' stating that it will continue to fight for the protection of the antiquities with any means noting the "the road is long and nothing has finished yet".