Larissa groups call for protests against US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visit

Various local organizations and labor unions in Larissa, Greece, have called for a pan-Thessalian protest on Wednesday, October 7, in opposition to the upcoming visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Protesters and issuing statements characterize the visit as more than a routine diplomatic meeting. They argue the visit aims to secure new commitments regarding the Greece-US Defense Cooperation Agreement, potentially expanding the use of Greek ports, airports, and military installations for US strategic and energy interests.

Critics expressed concerns that increasing the presence of NATO and US military infrastructure in the region, including sites like the 110 and 111 Air Force Wings and the Georgoula camp, turns Greece into a ‘critical NATO bulwark’ and increases the risk of becoming a target in global conflicts, specifically mentioning tensions in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine.