Thousands protest against Greek PM in Thessaloniki

Around 5,000 people protested outside the Thessaloniki venue where Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was speaking on Saturday while riot police stood guard.

Similar demonstrations in previous years have turned violent, however this time they remained calm.

The annual trade fair in the northern Greek city where Mitsotakis spoke was cancelled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But Mitsotakis continued to deliver the customary prime ministerial speech outlining economic policy for the coming year.

This year's audience was reduced and all wore masks and practiced social distancing.

Protesters demonstrated over rights for refugees and migrants in Moria camp, with a simultaneous counter-protest of nationalists, far-rights and anti-mask wearing groups.

Police separated the two demonstrations by creating roadblocks with railings and police buses.

(Image Credit Pixabay)