We have now reached the sixth day since the tractors took to the roads and blocked the national highways. Farmers are proceeding with their plan without interruption, and new blockades are set up daily. Today, new blockades are being formed at the “green lights” near Macedonia Airport, while another will be set up in Fthiotida. Tractors will appear in Bralos and, over the weekend, in Siatista. A major blockade will be formed at Kastro, Viotia, while on Sunday similar action is expected from farmers in Northern Evros. Their goal is to have at least 30 major blockades across Greece’s national road network by the end of the week. This will conclude the first phase of their mobilization.

They want dialogue, but under conditions

Starting next Monday, we will see various actions from the farmers—actions within cities such as port occupations, tractor marches, and other moves that have not yet been announced. Next week is possibly a good opportunity for the first contact between farmers and the government, before the crucial meeting. It will be an attempt by both sides to gauge intentions so that the meeting does not take on a merely procedural character.

It is considered almost certain that toward the end of next week, a meeting of the nationwide committee of blockades will be held in Nikaia, Larissa, where every form of escalation will be examined before any meeting with the government.

At the same time, responding to criticism about blocked roads, farmers pointedly note that “the national highways could reopen even tomorrow. The key lies with the government and the decisions it will make for the future of the primary sector.”

They also criticize the behavior of certain groups of farmers who attempt to meet with government officials individually rather than following collective decisions.