The government continues to remain entrenched in its positions concerning social security a day after the huge farmers rally in Thessaloniki where more than 20,000 protestors gathered outside the Agrotica international fair for agricultural machinery equipment and material at HELEXPO. The farmers were confronted by the riot squad in one of the largest gatherings of recent years, managing to postpone the official opening by Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris.

In light of the events taking place outside the fair it was decided to cancel the visit of Rural Development and Food Minister Vangelis Apostolou, whose anticipated visit was a “red flag” for farmers.

Farmers are continuing their blocks at roads and national highways around the country with intermittent closures from noon to 2 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. For the first time, there will be a symbolic closure of the Attica Highway, specifically at Markopoulos where tractors have been gathered since Wednesday.