A clearer signal regarding the possibility of a meeting with representatives of the farmers and livestock breeders protesting at the roadblocks was sent yesterday by the Maximos Mansion, in the form of an ultimatum. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis called on the protesters to identify their representatives, prepare a precise list of demands, and meet with the government promptly at a high level.

The “high level” mentioned by Mr. Marinakis will depend on the level of representation from the farmers, although it is considered quite possible that Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be involved, as happened during the large mobilisations in 2024, which ended with a compromise between the government and farmers on agricultural electricity and the excise tax on fuel.

Mr. Mitsotakis, who wants to show that steps are being taken on the issue, convened a meeting yesterday with the responsible ministers regarding payments from OPEKEPE and ELGA, which are expected in December. He is also expected to refer to the matter at Friday’s midday meeting of the New Democracy Parliamentary Group. Government officials do not consider it unlikely that a meeting may take place on Monday, provided that a coordinated group of representatives emerges from the farmers’ movement on Sunday.

Measures under discussion

The government says it is waiting to receive the farmers’ demands, although their general outline is already known. According to information, the government is examining possible compromise options on agricultural electricity, which has been set at 9.2 cents/kWh, but not as a uniform rate.

Farmers are asking for a uniform price and a reduction to 7 cents, although some consider that a compromise at 8 cents could be possible. The Public Power Corporation is already involved in the discussion as the main supplier, although the current rate may already be below cost.

On agricultural fuel, the government appears open to discussing an expansion of subsidy criteria. Mr. Mitsotakis has also indicated a willingness to raise with the EU the issue of support for farmers facing low product prices, though not a horizontal minimum price.

Internal criticism within New Democracy

The situation is not easy for New Democracy, judging from the reactions of its own MPs during yesterday’s briefing by Minister of Rural Development Kostas Tsiaras, ahead of Friday’s meeting of the Parliamentary Group.

The briefing lasted more than four hours—longer than planned. Afterward, Mr. Tsiaras said that common ground could be found if farmers participate in the dialogue in an organised way.

Makis Voridis asked what the government’s strategy is for reducing tension, implicitly referring to Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis. Zetta Makri noted that many of the protesters at the roadblocks are New Democracy supporters. Christos Boukoros said that “on the ground, we are facing strong pressure,” although he acknowledged that payments for “Measure 23” were handled correctly in Magnesia. Notable also was MP Fotini Arampatzi’s strong criticism of OPEKEPE president Giannis Kavvathas.

Closing points

MPs including Andreas Katsaniotis and former OPEKEPE administrator Fanis Papas raised questions about the organisation’s transfer to the AADE. Mr. Katsaniotis also noted that AADE will be working with the same technical consultant as before. Other MPs raised the issue of ELGA contributions being withdrawn from accounts as soon as farmers received payments. ELGA president Andreas Lykourentzos responded that farmers themselves had opted for standing orders.

Among New Democracy MPs, the general atmosphere is not positive. They are receiving pressure from their constituencies and recognise that many of the protesters participating in the roadblocks and demonstrations are their own voters.