Farmers across Greece are escalating their protests, warning they are prepared to spend the Christmas holidays on the road as frustration grows over delayed subsidy payments and what they describe as government inaction on critical agricultural issues.
More than 3,500 tractors are now stationed at major roadblocks in central Greece, including the key junctions of Nikaia and Karditsa, with reinforcements arriving from surrounding regions. At border crossings such as Promachonas, Doirani, Evzoni, and Kipi, protesters are restricting truck traffic as part of their ongoing mobilization.
Farmers say they are fighting for their survival, citing heavy losses from last year’s severe storm Daniel, the mass culling of animals due to sheep and goat pox, and extensive delays in subsidy payments. They also point to increased deductions that have further reduced the already diminished support they eventually receive—if it arrives at all.
Tensions have risen in several regions. In Serres, farmers broke through a police line and moved onto the national highway. In Kiato, clashes erupted when police used chemicals to disperse protesters attempting to block a major motorway. At Promachonas, a police vehicle reversing to block advancing tractors rammed a farm vehicle, prompting an internal investigation.
Authorities expect symbolic closures of customs posts to continue. On Friday, farmers from eastern Thessaloniki plan to block access to the city’s airport junction.
Thessaly at the forefront
Farmers in Thessaly—one of the country’s major agricultural regions—continue to lead the movement, blocking the main Athens–Thessaloniki highway and the E65 motorway. Participation at the Karditsa roadblock has surpassed 2,000 tractors, with a rally scheduled for Friday morning in the city. Heavy rainfall, however, may affect whether farmers arrive with machinery.
In Nikaia, near Larissa, the blockade is expanding as more farmers and livestock breeders arrive. While no major actions are expected until Sunday due to weather conditions, organizers say they are preparing for new blockades and demonstrations next week.
Meanwhile, farmers are gathering at the Larissa courthouse on Thursday afternoon in support of two individuals arrested during last Sunday’s clashes. A third detainee will be tried at a later date.
Border closures under discussion
At Promachonas, farmers are meeting Thursday to decide when and for how long they will shut down the border crossing. Many favor closing it for several hours to trucks carrying agricultural products, while others argue the closure should apply to all vehicles.
At the Evzoni crossing on the border with North Macedonia, farmers temporarily lifted their blockade Wednesday night but continue operating in a limited capacity. They allow trucks transporting Greek products and emergency vehicles to pass, while more tractors and equipment arrive daily.
Protests spread to western Greece
Demonstrations have also expanded to western regions. Farmers in Achaia briefly blocked the old Patras–Pyrgos national road on Wednesday. More mobilizations are planned in Erymanthos, Aigialeia, and Aitoloakarnania, including actions at the Aktio tolls and in Angelokastro. Daily meetings are shaping an increasingly aggressive protest strategy.
Renewed clashes in Kiato
In Kiato, around 200 farmers attempting to block the national highway clashed with police, who responded with chemicals. The highway remained closed in both directions for about an hour before tensions eased. The demonstration planned there for Thursday has been postponed to Friday.
Farmers warn the pressure will intensify unless their demands are met, making it increasingly likely their tractors will remain on Greece’s roads throughout the holiday season.
