Statue placement controversy in Thessaloniki

Controversy again flared up in the northern port city of Thessaloniki over the placement of a statue of the late president and prime minister Constantine Karamanlis near the city’s seafront promenade, following a statement on Friday by the outgoing mayor announcing the signing of a relevant contract.

In a written statement issued in response, newly elected mayor Yiannis Boutaris, who assumes the office on Jan. 1, 2011, expressed surprise and objected to the decision, stressing that it was hastily made.