Anastasia Chalkias has been removed from her position as mayor of Kassandra following a decision by the Disciplinary Council regarding the tragic incident at an amusement park in Pefkohori, Halkidiki, last August.
According to emakedonia.gr, Chalkias was referred to the Disciplinary Council by the Decentralized Administration to determine whether she had committed a “breach of duty.” The case centered on the fact that the amusement park, where 19-year-old Giannis lost his life, was operating without the necessary legal license. Moreover, authorities had warned the Municipality of Kassandra about the issue a month before the fatal accident.
The victim’s father, testifying as a witness in the disciplinary proceedings, placed direct responsibility on the mayor for failing to shut down the illegal amusement park. He also criticized the entire municipal administration for its inaction.
During the disciplinary hearing, Chalkias denied any responsibility for the accident or the park’s operation. She is reportedly planning to file a motion to suspend the ruling in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Gerakina Benisi has been placed on a three-month leave in connection with the case.
“A Significant Vindication for the Family”
The Disciplinary Council’s decision was described as a major victory for the victim’s family by their lawyer, Yiannis Mandrau.
Speaking to local media, one of the family’s legal representatives stated:
“As legal representatives of the family, we express our satisfaction with the Disciplinary Board’s decision, which recognizes the mayor’s clear responsibility and removes her from office. This ruling is an important step toward justice for the victim’s family and underscores the need for public officials to be held accountable.
The tragic accident in Pefkohori has had devastating consequences for Giannis’s family, who, despite their unbearable grief, continue their fight for justice. This decision not only helps restore the truth but also reinforces the importance of public safety, ensuring that such tragedies do not happen again.
The case is also proceeding on a criminal level, and we await further developments.”
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