Since yesterday afternoon, Greece has effectively been cut in two due to the actions of farmers from Thessaly. Farmers from Karditsa blocked the junction on the E65, just outside the regional capital, by driving their tractors onto the national road network. Their colleagues from Larissa and Magnesia followed the same course, blocking the Nikaia junction on the PATHE highway with their agricultural vehicles. These actions unfolded in a far more turbulent way, as police used tear gas during the protests both in Nikaia and Platikampos, resulting in the arrest of three farmers.

But yesterday was only the first day of the farmers’ mobilisations. As of today, more blockades are forming along the national road network and are spreading across much of the country. Starting December 1, new roadblocks are being set up in Malgara, Thiva, and Livadia, and the day after tomorrow in Kastoria, Evros, and Serres. Next Wednesday, farmers from Trikala will bring their tractors to the Megalochori junction, keeping their eyes on the nearby E65. Another blockade is expected from farmers in Zarko, on the Larissa–Trikala axis. Within the first ten days of December, farmers from Magnesia are expected to block the port of Volos, as well as other ports and even customs points across the country.

Video from Karditsa:

The plan for the national highway and the four tractor advances

It has been more than ten years since tractors in Thessaly last entered the national highway. This year, the phrase “we must get onto the national road at all costs” was heard increasingly often among farmers and livestock breeders, who have been facing both unpaid subsidies due to OPEKEPE delays and low prices for basic products, as well as the effects of a devastating outbreak of sheep pox, which destroyed a significant part of the local livestock sector. Many breeders still have not received compensation for their losses.

For the farmers and livestock breeders of Thessaly, occupying the national highway to make their problems heard became the only option. To achieve this, they had prepared four alternative scenarios in advance. Yesterday morning, the first group of tractors tried to enter the highway from the wholesale vegetable market near the Sykourio junction, but failed. Shortly before noon, another group from the Larissa–Volos axis tried and managed to get 15 tractors onto the national road at the Platikampos junction, heading toward Nikaia. When they attempted to bring up the remaining tractors, police fired tear gas, escalating tensions and leading to the arrest of a livestock farmer and a farmer.

Videos from yesterday’s clashes:

A third attempt soon followed, involving tractors attempting to access the highway from a point between Platikampos and Nikaia, but it was unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, at the base of the Nikaia junction, the main group of tractors had gathered, and farmers attempted to move police buses blocking the road using straps. Police responded with heavy tear gas use, and farmers later claimed they were physically struck during the confrontation. During this tension, police attempted to arrest well-known farm unionist Christos Sideropoulos, provoking further reaction from the farmers and escalating the clashes. Sideropoulos was seen on the ground receiving medical assistance before being taken to the hospital by ambulance.

The fourth scenario for accessing the national road was then carried out: with the tractors still blocked by riot police buses, farmers cut through the wire fencing and entered the side road. From there, they drove a short distance and, by knocking down a secondary barrier of the national road, finally managed to enter the highway at the Nikaia junction—effectively cutting Greece in two.

The arrested farmers go before the prosecutor

Farmers condemn what they describe as unprecedented police brutality during the protest, with several colleagues injured and three arrested.

Last night, farmers held a demonstration outside the Larissa police headquarters, where two of those arrested were being held, demanding their release.

This morning, the two arrested farmers are expected to appear before the misdemeanours court. Farmers are planning another protest outside the courthouse—this time also with tractors—calling for all charges against them to be dropped.