Greek Farmers Blockade Key Motorways Demanding Subsidies

Greek farmers continued their multi-day demonstrations on Wednesday, disrupting key highways and main roads, with the central route connecting Athens and Thessaloniki among the most affected.

The protest stems from delayed government subsidy payments and demands for additional financial support to cope with soaring production costs. Farmers have used tractors and other agricultural machinery to block roads, including border crossings to Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Turkey, and Albania, according to reports from ERTnews.

These blockages are causing significant delays for international freight transport. The most extensive disruptions are around the Larissa region in central Greece, where farmers from various areas have gathered. Additional road closures are reported in northern Greece, forcing drivers to take lengthy alternative routes.

Besides timely subsidy payments, farmers are calling for fairer pricing for their products to offset the increased expenses. There have been several confrontations with police, who employed tear gas and made arrests to prevent new roadblocks.

The farmers have stated that their protests will continue through Christmas and into the New Year unless the government provides concrete commitments to address their demands.

Author: Ethan Caldwell