Speaking to SKAI, Chrysochoidis repeated that the government does not intend to use force to remove the thousands of farmers who have brought their tractors onto major roads. He reiterated the government’s call for dialogue, which farmers have repeatedly dismissed as insincere. At the same time, he suggested that future legislative measures are on the table once the mobilisations subside.
“We have six to seven thousand tractors on the roads and thousands of people protesting their sectoral problems, and the government decided not to take violent action to remove them,” he said. He acknowledged that the blockades constitute “a series of illegal acts,” including road occupation and the creation of safety risks for drivers. Despite this, he added, the government has chosen not to enforce the law through police action.
Chrysochoidis then hinted at possible next steps. “There is the possibility of implementing the law, and a series of provisions or new provisions may be drafted. This is something the government will decide at the next stage.”
Thanos Plevris adopted an even more confrontational tone. In an interview with Parapolitika 90.1, he openly called for the judiciary to intervene should the blockades continue. Referring to the legislation on obstruction of transport, he stated that responsibility lies with the courts, not the government, when a potential criminal offence is committed.
He added that in addition to criminal proceedings, the government can impose administrative sanctions, arguing that the protests are “causing inconvenience to the travelling public” and creating safety hazards.
“The government is right to try to de-escalate,” he said. “If this is not achieved within a reasonable period, there must be an escalation from the state so that the roads are handed back to the public.”
______________________________________________
Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.
Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.