Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the nation during the last cabinet meeting of 2025, sending a firm message to protesting farmers. He emphasized that while the government has responded to their demands, it will not yield to pressure that could disrupt society or compromise public safety.
Mitsotakis highlighted the government’s recent measures following the OPEKEPE subsidy scandal, including the transfer of the agency’s responsibilities to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). “Payments have begun and will be completed within the week,” he said, noting that 20 out of 27 sector requests have either been resolved or are under discussion.
The Prime Minister also underscored reforms aimed at establishing a fairer and faster compensation system, replacing the previously ineffective framework. He added that only his party supported the parliamentary vote for this significant change, which aligns with European Commission standards for transparency and efficiency.
Looking ahead, Mitsotakis announced plans to form a cross-party parliamentary committee to examine long-term solutions and hopes it will reach a unanimous conclusion.
Addressing the protests directly, he stated: “Farmers have made their demands, and the state has responded within its economic limits. It is now time for shared responsibility toward society. We will not compromise public mobility, local markets, or the safety of tens of thousands of travelers. The government will not yield to blackmail or favor one social group over another.”
