Farmers across Greece are intensifying their nationwide protests, keeping thousands of tractors on major highways, border crossings and key transport routes. After meetings held across the country, farmers decided to strengthen existing roadblocks and prepare new ones in the coming days.
On Tuesday, more tractors were expected to arrive at the major roadblock in Nikaia, where numbers are set to exceed 1,000. At the E65 motorway, more than 1,500 tractors are already positioned. The Malgara roadblock in northern Greece is also expected to expand, while the border crossing at Evzoni, on the Greece–North Macedonia frontier, remains closed by protesting farmers and livestock breeders from the region of Paionia.
New blockades planned
Farmers say they are determined to escalate their demonstrations unless their demands are addressed. According to decisions taken on Monday, additional roadblocks will be set up later this week.
On Thursday, farmers intend to close the Promachonas border crossing on the Greece–Bulgaria border. A new blockade is planned for Saturday in the town of Siatista, involving farmers from the wider region, including Kozani, Grevena and Kastoria.
If no progress is made in negotiations next week, farmers also plan to block the port of Volos and later the port of Thessaloniki, two major gateways for commercial transport.
Protesters remain on national highways overnight
Thousands of farmers already stationed at existing blockades spent the night on the roads, using heaters to stay warm—while others set up grills beside their tractors as the demonstrations continued into the early hours.
(EUROKINISSI)
Tensions have also flared, with one farmers’ representative alleging that a police officer knelt on his neck during a confrontation.
Political tensions rise amid ongoing standoff
The dispute is deepening political friction, with the government promising that all agricultural subsidies will be paid within the month and stating it is willing to meet farmers “at any time”.
“The door remains open,” said Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, acknowledging that it has been a difficult year for farmers. Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras urged protesters not to block roads, saying demonstrations must not create further hardship for the rest of society.
Opposition parties, meanwhile, accuse the government of allowing the situation to worsen. PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis warned that the primary sector is “collapsing”, calling for political consensus to change the law governing ministerial responsibility.
From the Malgara blockade, SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos called for an immediate and peaceful resolution, while the General Secretary of the Communist Party (KKE), Dimitris Koutsoumbas, declared that his party stands firmly with farmers and livestock breeders.
