Thessaly Regional Authority Refutes Agorastos Criticism Over Year of Manos Hajdakis Events

The Regional Authority of Thessaly issued a press statement responding to former regional governor Konstantinos Agorastos, who accused the administration of neglecting honors for composer Manos Hajdakis in the cultural programme for the Ministry of Culture's designated “Year of Hajdakis” in 2026. The authority emphasized that events marking the year require careful handling and full respect for intellectual‑property rights, stating that it does not act arbitrarily.

The statement highlighted past cultural initiatives, noting that in 2025 Thessaly honoured Mikis Theodorakis with two major concerts featuring Maria Farandouri, Vasilis Lekkas, the “Mikis Theodorakis” orchestra and other notable performers. It also referenced a recent decision by George Hajdakis, son of Manos Hajdakis, to prohibit a singer from performing Manos Hajdakis’ songs at a tribute event. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting artistic works while providing substantive cultural programmes for citizens.