In the wake of disciplinary sanctions imposed on municipal officials following a fatal 2024 accident at a luna park in Nea Peukochori, Chalkidiki—where a 19-year-old lost his life—the current mayor of Cassandreia, Heraklis Leivadiotis, has been placed on two-month administrative leave.
Disciplinary Action Based on Past Role
According to thes.gr, the decision concerns responsibilities attributed to Leivadiotis during his previous tenure as Deputy Mayor for Technical Services—a role he held prior to becoming mayor. At the time of the incident, he was not the licensing authority, did not sign any permit or administrative act related to the luna park’s operation, and had no direct oversight responsibility for its technical compliance.
Mayor Announces Legal Challenge
Leivadiotis has publicly rejected the sanction and confirmed he will file an appeal with the Council of State, seeking its annulment. He emphasized that he was never formally notified of any related official document and remains excluded from any criminal investigation—no charges have been filed against him.
Concerns Over Institutional Boundaries
In his official statement, the mayor noted that the disciplinary liability assigned to him rests solely on his status as the political head of the Technical Services Directorate—not on any specific act or omission. He raised broader concerns about the distinction between supervisory duties and personal disciplinary accountability for elected officials, calling it an issue of wider institutional significance.
No Request for Suspension of Penalty
Leivadiotis also clarified that he will not submit a request to suspend the penalty’s enforcement. He stressed this decision is not an acceptance of the ruling but aims to ensure administrative continuity and the smooth functioning of the municipality during the appeal process.