Tsiaras, Farmers, and Political Tension: Greece’s Agricultural Policy Under Pressure in 2025

The stance of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food under Kostas Tsiaras reveals the critical geopolitical and paripolitical dimensions of agricultural policy in Greece: economic support, social pressure, and political strategy intersect to shape the future of the primary sector.

A “Red Alert” Year for Agricultural Policy

2025 has been marked by heightened tension in the primary sector, with farmers’ protests, calls for dialogue, and significant subsidy payments overseen by Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras. The situation has escalated beyond everyday agricultural issues into a paripolitical battlefield, where the government seeks to manage economic support while addressing social discontent simultaneously.

Tsiaras has stated that about 74% of farmers’ requests have already been addressed, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation for resolving outstanding issues, while warning that blockades and protests “do not help” the situation.

Economic Support vs. Political Tensions

In terms of financial measures, the government has already disbursed significant subsidy payments to producers: approximately €500 million in direct support and compensations, with total aid for 2025 expected to exceed €1 billionfor farmers.

Farmers are also anticipating a total of €3.7 billion in subsidies under the revised Common Agricultural Policy, including new payments for basic support and a transparent allocation system.

While these financial measures aim to alleviate pressure, protests continue, with farmers demanding tangible commitments and solutions for delayed payments, declining purchasing power, and inefficiencies in agencies like OPEKEPE.

Dialogue with “Yes, But” — The Political Game

The ministry’s strategy combines cooperation and pressure. Tsiaras emphasizes that “the ministry’s door is always open” for dialogue with farmers, but also demands clear agendas and realistic requests to implement meaningful solutions.

However, some farmers respond cautiously, perceiving the invitation as vague regarding fulfillment of their demands, and insist on specific commitments, particularly for livestock issues or cattle disease vaccination programs.

This dual approach — substantial financial support coupled with conditional dialogue — reflects a paripolitical dynamic, where the government aims to manage pressure without fully conceding to social demands.

Social Reactions and Political Implications

Farmer blockades and protests remain active, causing disruptions in markets and transportation, signaling broader social frustration and political volatility during a period of rising economic concerns.

Public discourse and social media indicate that the agricultural debate has expanded to broader issues: political representation, production costs, and perceived inequities — factors that could overshadow government policy if not addressed effectively.

Opportunity or Polarization?

Greece’s agricultural policy in 2025 is not merely about subsidies and payments. It is a geopolitical and social test of governance, balancing economic support, social pressure, and political strategy.

While the Tsiaras-led government provides substantial support and dialogue opportunities, farmers demand clearer, specific commitments, creating an environment where agricultural policy becomes deeply paripolitical, rather than purely administrative or technocratic.

This paripolitical dimension highlights that at the core of agricultural policy are not just money or subsidies — but the balance between social demands and the political management of a crucial sector of the economy and rural life.

Source: pagenews.gr