A decisive moment in Greece’s ongoing farmers’ protests is expected on Monday, when representatives of the country’s agricultural sector are scheduled to meet Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Maximos Mansion in Athens.
The talks, which are set for 1 p.m., will bring together farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers and fishers in an effort to find common ground with the government on a range of issues affecting the sustainability of the primary sector.
The meeting was confirmed by government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis during a briefing of political reporters. He said there is a “basic agreement” for the talks to take place, with one clear condition: the roads must be reopened. Marinakis was referring to the roadblocks that have been set up by protesting farmers across the country since November 30. He also stressed that the meeting will not include individuals who are under investigation.
How the Talks Were Shaped
Representatives of the Panhellenic Committee of roadbloc groups, which coordinates 62 protest sites nationwide, said they had pushed for a structured format that would enable the different branches of each agricultural sector to clearly present the issues they are facing to the Prime Minister.
Their original proposal called for two separate meetings. The first would include 25 farmers, grouped by region and type of cultivation. The second would bring together a 10-member committee made up of six livestock breeders, three beekeepers and one fisher.
In the end, those involved agreed that 30 representatives will attend the meeting at the Maximos Mansion, although no further details were provided about who comprises this committee.
According to reports, the sector has already submitted a full list of its problems to the government since mid-December.
Frustration and “Red Lines”
Despite the upcoming talks, representatives of the primary sector say frustration and anger remain high.
One of the key issues they intend to raise is the European Union–Mercosur trade agreement, which they view as a major threat to Greek producers. They have described the deal as one of their central concerns in the negotiations with the government.
Another critical topic is sheep pox affecting livestock, with vaccination emerging as one of the most contentious points expected to dominate the discussions with officials.
The 62 blockades have made it clear that Monday’s meeting is not the end of the road.
If the talks fail to deliver results, they warn they could escalate with a large, nationwide rally in Athens as a last resort.
