Anti-war protest draws massive turnout in Dedeağaç against NATO presence

The protest, organized by Peace Committees of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace alongside labor unions, took place at Akademia Park before evolving into a mass march through the city streets. Participants included students, workers, farmers, trade unionists, and activists from across the region.

Demonstrators called for the immediate shutdown of the NATO-linked military facilities in Dedeağaç, which has become a strategic logistics hub for Western military operations in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region. Protesters also demanded the return of all Greek military missions stationed abroad and expressed solidarity with the peoples of Palestine and Cuba.

During the rally, Food and Beverage Workers’ Union President Vaso Bratsou criticized what she described as excessive military spending by the European Union and NATO-aligned governments, arguing that billions allocated to defense preparations come at the expense of healthcare, education, social welfare, and wage increases for ordinary citizens.

Alexandra Stamatelatou, President of the Dedeağaç Peace Committee, addressed the crowd by condemning what she called the “imperialist character” of ongoing global conflicts. She argued that Dedeağaç has been transformed into a critical NATO outpost through successive agreements backed by both the current Greek government and previous administrations.

She also referenced the upcoming NATO military exercise “Sword 26,” expected to begin on May 20, claiming the operation would further establish Alexandroupoli as a major “digital and logistical hub” for Western military infrastructure.

Following the speeches, protesters marched toward the city’s port area, which has played an increasingly strategic role in NATO transportation and supply operations. Young demonstrators at the front of the procession carried placards spelling out the slogan: “NATO KILLERS GO HOME.”

Upon arriving at the port entrance, crowds chanted: “Dedeağaç is a port for the peoples, not a base for imperialists.” Protesters also painted the message “NATO KILLERS OUT OF THRACE” outside the port gates.

Organizers concluded the demonstration by pledging to continue anti-war mobilization efforts in workplaces, labor unions, neighborhoods, and cities across Greece, insisting on the country’s withdrawal from what they described as “war planning” by NATO and its allies.