Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday again reiterated his government intent to open a “sincere dialogue” with protesting farmers and stockbreeders, as producers’ roadblocks in various central highway intersections, toll booths and borders posts around the country picked up over the weekend.

Traffic jams along major highways and lengthy drive times for truckers and Christmas holiday-makers returning to cities, especially the greater Athens-Piraeus area, were reported on Monday.

Speaking during a television interview on the regional Athens television channel Action24, Mitsotakis referred to producers who are willing to engage in dialogue, but also those who “bully them” in order to systematically oppose the government, while stressing that the negative impact on society must end.

He also said that exercising political power often causes distance between office-holders and society’s problems.

“I make sure to remind myself every day that we are here to solve problems and improve the lives of citizens,” he said, adding that this reminder applies to the entire Cabinet.

Mitsotakis also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to citizens from the farmers’ mobilizations.

“I am truly sorry that our fellow citizens were inconvenienced during their travel over the holidays,” he said, calling on protesting producers to show understanding, at least until the Jan. 6 holiday of the Epiphany, in order to facilitate travel. Additionally, he pointed out the end-of-the-year period is critical for the economy and the markets, something that, as he said, everyone understands.

Mitsotakis: ‘You can’t protest and at the same time refuse dialogue’

Moreover, the center-right Greek leader again signaled his desire for dialogue with the agricultural sector’s representatives, in reference to the protests and roadblocks, emphasizing that solutions can only be found through discussion and not through actions that burden society.