Farmers Escalate Protests: More Roadblocks and Tractors as Government Adopts Hard Line

Tensions between the Greek government and the country’s farming sector are intensifying, as both sides harden their positions. The government is taking a tougher stance on roadblocks, warning that police will intervene if necessary, while simultaneously claiming that this year’s subsidies will exceed all previous years by the end of December. Farmers, however, are responding with expanded mobilizations, larger blockades, and clear determination to remain on the roads until Christmas.

Government hardens its position – risking social backlash

Government officials argue that“road closures inconvenience the public and harm local communities,” while insisting that the Ministry of Rural Development remains open to dialogue.

Political figures such as Thanos Plevris and Konstantinos Kyranakis openly criticized the protesters.Plevris claimed that farmers provoked police during Sunday’s clashes, while Kyranakis argued that years of farmer mobilizations allowed a system of illegal OPEKEPE subsidies to flourish.

At the same time, the government highlights the support measures it has already implemented: reduced VAT on fertilizers, farm machinery and animal feed, permanent reimbursement of the Special Consumption Tax on agricultural fuel, and a 10-year plan for cheaper electricity for farms.

Farmers escalate – Blockades expand, Christmas camps set up

In response to government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis’ warning that the police will “break” the blockades, farmers are expanding their presence.

In Karditsa, farmers have set up tents, dining tables, televisions and even a Christmas tree, signaling their intention to stay for weeks.

Tractor numbers are rising:

• Larissa: ~1,000
• Karditsa: ~1,500
• Malgara: ~300

New blockades are planned in Trikala, Kastoria, Evros and Serres, with additional plans for a shutdown of the port of Volos.

On Monday night, farmers from Rhodope closed the Egnatia Highway at the Komotini interchange.

Mounting frustration – High costs, low prices, delayed subsidies

Farmers and livestock producers face soaring production costs, low product prices, and delayed payments—some subsidies delayed by one month, others by up to two years.

Anger has intensified due to findings from the OPEKEPE parliamentary inquiry, which revealed mismanagement and irregularities. During a rally in Larissa, union leader Rizos Maroudas stated: “‘Frappes’ didn’t bother to appear before the inquiry, but the police arrest farmers who protest.”

Livestock farmers are in an even more desperate position due to the recent outbreak of sheep and goat pox. The cry of a farmer during Sunday’s clashes— “They killed my animals, I owe money everywhere!” —has become emblematic of the sector’s despair.

Government promises full payments by December 31

Government sources insist that OPEKEPE’s payment flow has “normalized” and promise that all eligible farmers and livestock breeders will be fully paid by December 31, with more total support than last year, despite delays.

Officials claim that a “more reliable and fairer system” is being established under EU oversight.

A tense December with no de-escalation in sight

With blockades spreading, frustrations deepening, and political rhetoric sharpening, the standoff shows no signs of easing. Farmers appear determined to hold their ground through the holidays, while the government is signaling readiness for confrontation.

December is shaping up to be a volatile month for rural Greece.

Source: pagenews.gr