Greek police use tear gas on farmers protesting and threatening to block airport

THESSALONIKI, Greece On Friday, riot police used tear gas to disperse farmers trying to obstruct the main road leading to Thessalonikis international airport amid growing unrest over delayed EU-supported agricultural payments.

Farmers have mobilized thousands of tractors and other agricultural machinery across highways and border crossings nationwide, intermittently halting traffic and threatening full road, airport, and port shutdowns. Authorities have redirected vehicles in northern and central Greece to bypass these blockades, while traffic congestion at northern borders with Bulgaria, Turkey, and North Macedonia has slowed freight transport.

Delays in subsidy payments are occurring as officials scrutinize applications following exposure of widespread fraudulent claims. Farmers contend these delays unfairly penalize legitimate producers, leaving them financially strained and unable to plant for the upcoming season. The sector has also been affected by a recent outbreak of goat and sheep pox, which necessitated large-scale livestock culling.

Were in the streets protesting when we should be sowing our fields. Were financially ruined, said farmer Vasilis Mavroskas. He warned that halted crop production could impact urban food supplies. Our survival depends on this. If we stop producing, city tables will feel the consequences, he added, urging public support.

Approximately 200300 farmers with over 100 tractors blocked a road near Thessaloniki airport. Some attempted to breach police lines to restrict airport access, which would have disrupted travelers.

Public order minister Michalis Chrisochoidis stated the government remains willing to negotiate with protest leaders but will not allow major transport hubs to be closed. Christos Tsilias, vice president of Thessalonikis farmers union, called on the public to pressure the government into releasing payments, highlighting that the plains around Thessaloniki and Halkidiki remain unplanted due to insufficient funds for seeds and fertilizers.

Farmer protests are frequent in Greece, with past demonstrations occasionally cutting off road connections between northern and southern regions for weeks. The subsidy controversy led to the resignation of five senior officials in June and the partial closure of the agency responsible for EU agricultural payments. Numerous arrests have been made in connection with fraudulent claims as part of an EU-led investigation into systematic subsidy fraud and money-laundering schemes.

Author: Aiden Foster