Nikos Androulakis: “ND Leaves Farmers at the Mercy of the Crisis”

In a sharp attack on the New Democracy government, PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis launched a tour in Thessaly to stand with farmers and livestock breeders affected by the goat and sheep plague and delays in OPEKEPE subsidies.

During an event in Larissa, Mr. Androulakis declared emphatically: “ND recycles the worst practices that drove the country to the brink of bankruptcy. Today, thousands of farmers are being punished for circumstances beyond their control, while the government leaves producers at the mercy of the crisis.”

PASOK emphasizes that Greece is the only EU country that failed to pay farmers yesterday, with over €500 million in subsidies remaining unpaid. Furthermore, Mr. Androulakis criticized the handling of the plague, noting that by October 24, 1,524 livestock farms had been destroyed and over 387,902 animals killed, leaving the same number of families without income.

Standing with farmers, the PASOK leader presented a comprehensive package of proposals for the agricultural sector:

• Protection of farmland and cooperatives, safeguarding against seizures and offering second chances for producers affected by crises.
• Education and training for young farmers, with expanded agricultural schools, modern curricula, and links to research and innovation.
• Reduction of production costs, via maximum price limits for agricultural drugs, an “Agricultural Fuel Card,” and renewable energy subsidies.
• Institutional strengthening of OPEKEPE, ensuring objective selection processes, digitalization, and timely payment of subsidies.
• Technological modernization, with geospatial data, satellite monitoring, and artificial intelligence for faster damage assessment.

Mr. Androulakis highlighted that EU assistance through the de minimis scheme (€50,000 per producer) has never been requested by the government, while demanding immediate compensation, coverage for lost income, and support to rebuild herds.

In his message to farmers, he stressed:“PASOK has always been a steadfast ally of farmers. We support the countryside, empower young farmers, and demand that the government stop delays and take responsibility.”

The tour marks a significant outward-focused move by PASOK amid internal tensions, aiming to reaffirm the opposition’s commitment to a sustainable and fair agricultural future for the country.