A nationwide conference of representatives from Greece’s primary production sector is underway, bringing together farmers currently mobilised at road blockades across the country.
Meeting in Nikaia, near Larissa, central Greece, farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen and beekeepers are expected to decide who will represent them at the Maximos Mansion for talks with the prime minister, as well as to finalize their negotiating strategy ahead of the meeting.
The agenda for the dialogue with the government is already clear and includes demands for lower electricity and fuel prices, transparency over the agricultural subsidies scandal, the dismissal of pending court cases against farmers, among other issues.
Photos by EUROKINISSI
What will the farmers decide today?
Beyond selecting their representatives for the forthcoming talks, participants are also expected to determine how they will approach the negotiations.
Some voices within the movement oppose dialogue following Greece’s affirmative vote on the European Union’s Mercosur trade agreement. Others argue that talks at the Maximos Mansion should be accompanied by a rally in Syntagma Square, involving representatives of the primary sector.
All scenarios remain open, with no clear indication of what will unfold either on Tuesday, December 20, during the scheduled government–farmers meeting, or in the days that follow. Decisions are expected within hours and will shape the future of the blockades and ongoing mobilizations.
According to information available, the meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, at 18:00.
Who will attend the meeting?
From the side of the primary production sector, representatives from all road blockades will attend, alongside delegates from livestock breeders, fishermen and beekeepers. As Leonidas Vasileiou, spokesperson for the United Federation of Agricultural Associations of Larissa, explained, the aim is “to sit down together, discuss our demands and find solutions for the future of our profession.”
“We believe that after 40 to 45 days on the streets, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will listen to us and deliver what we are entitled to,” he said.
On the government side, sources from the Ministry of Rural Development and Food told To Vima that, barring any unforeseen developments, the meeting will be attended by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the competent minister, Kostas Tsiaras. The government’s vice-president, Kostis Hatzidakis, is also expected to be present, while the head of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), Giorgos Pitsilis, may also attend.
