Chalkidiki Mayor Dismissed Over Deadly Amusement Park Accident

The advisory council responsible for elected officials has recommended the dismissal of Cassandra’s mayor, Anastasia Chalkia, regarding the tragic incident at an amusement park in Chalkidiki that claimed the life of a 19-year-old boy last August. The decision was communicated to the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia-Thrace, which approved it and subsequently informed Mayor Chalkia. She has 30 days from the notification of the dismissal decision to appeal to the Council of State (CoS), which will rule on the matter substantively. Sources close to the mayor indicate that filing an appeal suspends the execution of the penalty. If an appeal is filed with the CoS, the competent Suspension Committee of the Supreme Administrative Court may decide on granting a stay of execution after a request by the concerned party. The advisory council’s decision, made by a majority vote of 4-1, holds the mayor accountable for dereliction of duty. Specifically, the council accuses her of allowing the illegal operation of the amusement park in Pevkohori despite knowing—or having a duty to know—that it lacked proper operational approval. Furthermore, she allegedly failed to take all necessary legal measures to halt its operation once the municipality of Cassandra became aware of the illegality. In a written statement, Mayor Chalkia announced her intention to legally appeal the decision, asserting her innocence in the tragic accident. She stated, “I have never been personally informed about the illegal operation of this dangerous installation until the accident occurred.” She also expressed her belief in her innocence and her commitment to continue fulfilling her duties as mayor until justice is served. Additionally, the same decision imposed a three-month suspension on Deputy Mayor Gerakina Benisi, who was similarly accused of neglecting her duties. Both officials are also under criminal investigation as part of an ongoing inquiry into responsibilities related to the tragic incident.