After weeks of nationwide disruptions, farmers in northern Greece are returning to their fields, even as new polling shows broad public backing for both their demands and their protest tactics, keeping pressure on the government

Speaking during a public forum on Monday evening, Kyriakos Mitsotakis added that protesting producers 'have nothing more to gain by staying at the roadblocks, I think they realize that themselves'

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, appearing on a weekend current affairs program, confirmed that the goal will be to try and commence dialogue over delimitating maritime zones between the two neighboring countries

After weeks of nationwide blockades, representatives of farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers and fishers will meet Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with road openings set as the government’s key condition

Protesting farmers and stockbreeders representing most roadblocks also said they'd free up highways, ahead of a meeting with PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens

The latest developments have protesting producers split mainly into two “camps”, namely, those that want to negotiate with the government over bigger subsidies to ameliorate rising production costs, and those following a hardline stance

Greece's government spokesperson said the meeting with the Prime Minister would be held only if roads remain open.

Meanwhile, sources have hinted that PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis is ready to meet with producers' reps, as long as delegation represents all of the roadblocked manned by farmers, stockbreeders

Farmers in Greece argue that government measures fail to address the real problems of the sector including livestock vaccination.

New directive calls for immediate enforcement of traffic and criminal laws against those blocking highways, as authorities move to keep major road networks open during ongoing agricultural protests

Agricultural workers across Greece say key decisions on escalating demonstrations will be made in early January, as frustration grows over what they describe as a lack of meaningful government response to long-running demands

Most protesting farmers have promised to spend New Year's Eve and the first day of the year at the highway intersections, although roadways have mostly opened for holiday travelers

With tractor blockades still in place, Athens hints at tougher enforcement while highlighting unemployment gains, wage hikes and tax relief in a bid to regain control of the political narrative

Protesters ease travel disruptions over the New Year holiday while awaiting a nationwide meeting that will determine the next phase of their mobilizations

At the same time, representatives of protesting farmers and stockbreeders insist that mobilizations will continue in the new year

Speaking during a TV interview on a regional Athens television channel, Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis referred to protesting farm producers who are willing to engage in dialogue, but also those who “bully them” in order to systematically oppose the government

Prolonged farmer protests have evolved into a major political challenge for the Greek government, raising fears of electoral damage and fueling reshuffle rumors.

Where parked farm equipment continued to block traffic, police were diverting motorists onto side roads

The development came as tens of thousands of city-dwellers ready to head to the provinces for Christmas Day on Thursday

The survey showed that 71% of respondents believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, while just 24% say it is moving in the right one.