Greek Festival director fired pending financial probe

Greek Festival director Giorgos Loukos was dismissed on Wednesday pending an investigation regarding the organization’s finances, the Ministry of Culture announced.

According to the ministry, the move came after an inquiry by the General Accounting Office found the company operating on losses of over 2.7 million euros, triggering a probe by the Financial Crimes Squad (SDOE). Four people, including Loukos, face felony charges in the case, the ministry added.

The losses were incurred following Loukos’s appointment in 2005, the ministry said. Originally known as the Athens Festival, the annual event was founded in 1955.

Speculation regarding the possible dismissal of Loukos led to a recent petition that has been signed by leading Greek and foreign artists.

Born in Athens, Loukos studied in France. He is the artistic director of the Lyon Opera Ballet.