Tensions remain high on the Greek island of Lesbos, where livestock farmers are threatening an indefinite shutdown of the main port as protests enter their third consecutive day.
Farmers have blocked cargo operations at the port of Mytilene, expressing frustration over what they describe as inadequate compensation for livestock losses and strict restrictions on the movement of animal products due to an ongoing animal disease outbreak.
Island-wide disruption
The protest has escalated into broader disruption across the island, with public services and businesses closing in solidarity. While passenger travel continues, farmers have made it clear that no cargo trucks will be allowed to unload from incoming ships.
A coordination committee representing farmers, local officials and industry stakeholders has warned that the situation could worsen if their demands are not met.
“Ports will fully close”
Protest leaders say they are prepared to intensify their actions. If authorities fail to respond, they have warned of a complete shutdown of port operations.
“We will not back down until our demands are met,” representatives said, stressing that their goal is not to harm the wider economy but to ensure their products can be distributed safely beyond the island under proper biosecurity measures.
Key demands
Farmers are calling for:
- Immediate communication with government officials
- Lifting restrictions on the export of dairy products
- Implementation of necessary regulatory decisions
- Fair compensation for affected producers
- Reopening of slaughterhouses under safety protocols
