The moment of truth for the government regarding the farmers’ rallies has come, as the Prime Minister’s meeting with the 15 representatives of the agricultural blockades at 12:00 in the Maximos Mansion was the ultimate stage of dialogue. Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ involvement is indicative of the government’s willingness to find a solution, both through immediately applicable measures and through discussions on medium to long-term issues concerning both production costs and unfair competition faced by farmers.
With Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ return from Belgrade yesterday, a preparatory meeting was held at the Maximos Mansion ahead of today’s meeting. It is interesting that the government added to Mr. Mitsotakis’ agenda at 13:00, immediately after the representatives of the blockades, a meeting with the board of the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives, which, as government officials say, represents about 70% of the country’s farmers. It is noteworthy that on Saturday, there was a special meeting under the Prime Minister for the electricity issue, with the presence of the president and CEO of the Public Power Corporation, George Stassis, regarding discounts on agricultural electricity.
In any case, the government appears willing to meet the farmers halfway on their demands. The most significant return of the Special Fuel Tax for the agricultural diesel of the year, at a rate of 30-40%, has practically been payed in advance, while there will also be support measures for electricity. At this point, the role of the Public Power Corporation is crucial, as it is expected to offer larger discounts to farmers in the area, around 15%, if not more. This more generous discount will not only be valid for farmers in Thessaly and it remains to be seen if it will be extended to the rest of the months of the year, from May to September.
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According to information from protothema.gr, however, the government will not stop at these immediately applicable measures, as a more comprehensive intervention is being considered concerning the Special Fuel Tax for agricultural diesel from 2025 onwards, in the sense that this year is the third time the tax is being refunded. Therefore, a more permanent intervention will be a relief for producers. Beyond that, there will obviously be discussions on more ‘big’ issues, such as the implementation and modifications to the Common Agricultural Policy, as well as measures against illegal imports.
Representatives of the farmers who will be at the Maximos Mansion state that they will listen to the commitments of the Prime Minister and the government leadership in general, and then they will return to the blockades for consultation with their colleagues. However, the fiscal margins are already tight for the government, therefore the ‘package’ that will be presented at today’s meeting is ‘final’.
