Greek farmers are escalating their protests with extended blockades of major highways and secondary roads, increasing pressure on the government and raising concerns about widespread disruption to transportation across the country.
Starting today, farmers are enforcing 48- and 72-hour closures at several strategic locations, including key junctions in northern and central Greece. In the Malgara area, near a major north–south highway, protesters began a full 48-hour shutdown of traffic in both directions at midday.
Further blockades are planned at other transport hubs. At the Kastro junction, farmers have announced closures of both the main highway and nearby alternative routes for up to 72 hours. Additional road shutdowns are expected in the areas of Thebes and Bralos, expanding the impact of the mobilizations nationwide.
Police units specializing in crowd control and organized crime response have been placed on alert, particularly near toll stations and major transit points. Authorities say they are determined to prevent prolonged paralysis of road networks, while also avoiding direct confrontations between protesters and police.
Farmers say they are willing to reopen roads only if direct talks are held with the prime minister. However, divisions have emerged within the protest movement, with some participants rejecting any dialogue under the current conditions. Protesters also face the risk of administrative fines that can total up to 600 euros for occupying roadways and operating agricultural vehicles on national highways.
The government has sent a dual message: it will not tolerate indefinite road blockades, but it remains open to dialogue provided traffic is not disrupted. Officials stress that their priority is to maintain public order and prevent the country from being effectively split in two by transport shutdowns.
Government sources acknowledge that removing tractor blockades can be particularly challenging. As a contingency plan, authorities are preparing limited preventive police operations to stop closures at ports and border crossings, along with fines and, where necessary, criminal proceedings.
In televised remarks, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said the response involves both the justice system and law enforcement, emphasizing that serious offenses against society are being committed. He also argued that a small number of individuals are fueling tensions, urging most farmers to leave the blockades without abandoning their demands.
The prime minister’s office has reiterated its invitation to discuss long-term structural issues affecting agriculture, but only with unified representation from farmers and only if roads remain open. Government officials maintain that most farmer demands have already been addressed, adding that remaining requests are not feasible due to national and European fiscal constraints.
