After seven days of blockade, the protest by livestock farmers at the port of Mytilene came to an end on Tuesday morning. The protests revolved around the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the island, which has increased pressure on the sector and local farmers.

The blockade, which had covered both the commercial and passenger areas of the port’s land zone, had completely halted the unloading of trucks, triggering a domino effect of shortages in essential goods.

Silent withdrawal

The Port Authority Commander of Mytilene and the Police Director of Lesvos intervened, asking a small group of farmers who were present at the port at the time to leave, on the grounds that such a small number of protesters did not justify occupying the space. The farmers complied and the unloading of trucks carrying goods began immediately, restoring the supply of essential products to the market.

Notably, the port reopened just hours after the Federation of Agricultural Associations of Lesvos had announced the previous evening that the blockade would continue — leaving no room for misinterpretation. The Federation had also been trying to maintain a united front among the farmers during a period of intense pressure. Yet the situation on the ground the next morning told a different story.

The reopening appears to stem from a combination of social pressure, internal disagreements, and possibly a tactical repositioning of the protest movement. No clear official statement has been issued explaining the shift from continuation to lifting of the blockade, leaving open the question of whether this is a temporary de-escalation or a sign of a broader change in strategy.

Minister Schinas responds

The Minister of Rural Development and Food, Margaritis Schinas, commented on the reopening during the opening meeting of consultations on the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2028–2034. He welcomed the development as a positive sign, saying that the gradual restoration of the port’s operation shows that de-escalation can be achieved through dialogue and collective effort.

He also stressed that the situation on Lesvos remains demanding, describing it as “a major and coordinated battle” with all available resources mobilized. He emphasized the need for cooperation among all parties involved, warning that in times of crisis there is no room for tensions or actions that do not contribute to solving the problems at hand.

“In Lesvos we are fighting a major and coordinated battle, mobilizing all the resources and forces we have. And I want to take this opportunity to welcome the opening of the port of Mytilene this morning. It is a positive development. It shows that only through the cooperation of all parties involved will we find a way forward, and that outbursts have nothing to offer when dealing with such complex and acute problems,” Schinas said.