Mobilisations are expanding, with blockades of major roads, ports and strategic infrastructure, including the Tempe tunnel. Farmers across the country have signed a collective pledge refusing to attend meetings with the government unless tangible results are presented. Commenting on suggestions that some individuals might still participate, farmers note that such people act for their own benefit and do not represent the agricultural world.
Farmers emphasise that their mobilisation will continue until specific, measurable solutions are presented.
‘A joint and coordinated response’
Responding to the government’s invitation for talks, farmers stress that any decision will be taken collectively. Yiannis Koukoutsis of the Federation of Agricultural Associations of Larissa told ERTnews Radio 105.8: “The Prime Minister will return on Friday, if I am not mistaken. The protesters will use this time, so that we can talk and respond in a coordinated manner.” He added that the farmers’ response will be “timely, jointly and coordinated”.
‘We are not satisfied with the announcements’
Koukoutsis said farmers have examined the minister’s comments “word by word” and found them inadequate. “They leave many question marks, many blurred lines,” he said. Producers argue that current government proposals do not address their structural problems and amount to communication manoeuvres without substantive solutions.
Road closures remain widespread. On the Egnatia Motorway, the Athens-bound flow remains shut, while the entry towards Thessaloniki reopened late on Monday evening at the Malgari blockade. At Malgari, farmers distributed rice to drivers to encourage support for domestic production.
Nationwide coordinated actions are now planned, extending beyond local blockades to major transport corridors such as the Athens–Thessaloniki National Highway.
‘Communication announcements without substance – Celebrations at the blockades’
Speaking to CNN Greece, Tzellas described the government’s announcements as “communicational” and “without substance”. Unless real solutions are provided, farmers will continue their mobilisation through the holidays. “It is very possible that we will celebrate at the blockades,” he said.
He stressed that farmers are not requesting increased income, but seeking to cover debts accumulated under prolonged financial pressure. He added that some of the announced measures appear to rely on funds withheld earlier: “This means that they cut it before, to give it now.”
The ‘red lines’ of the rural world
Farmers’ core demands include:
• replenishment of lost income in 2025
• guaranteed prices to secure a minimum income
• support for livestock farmers facing rising production costs
• revision of aid mechanisms for natural disaster losses and reduced subsidies
Tzellas noted that fishermen and beekeepers, who also face significant difficulties, have been ignored.
Mobilisations will escalate further, including renewed blockades of ports and a symbolic closure of the Tempe tunnel, with the stated aim of forcing government action.
Farmers from regions such as Achaia and Aitoloakarnania have already planned new blockades and symbolic actions. Dimitris Stergios, representing farmers in Achaia, told ERTnews: “The closed roads are the government’s responsibility, which is deploying riot police. They are not going to succeed in having society against us.”
‘Some may go to Monday’s appointment, but they do not represent us’
“There will be an escalation,” said Socrates Aliftiras, vice president of the Federation of Agricultural Associations of Larissa. According to reporting by Vima, an intensified round of mobilisations is expected, “which will cause surprise”. Tractors are expected to enter the centre of Larissa from Monday and remain overnight, coinciding with the trial of farmers arrested in last week’s incidents.
Farmers are also considering re-blocking the port of Thessaloniki and symbolically closing the Tempe tunnel.
Those who spoke to Vima reiterated that no one will attend government meetings unless there is something substantial to discuss. They added that while some individuals may still appear at Monday’s meeting, such people act independently and do not speak for the movement.
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