“The party with OPEKEPE is over,” says Minister Kostas Tsiaras amid agricultural protests, noting that the government has a de-escalation strategy but “it takes two to tango.”

In his interview on “Direct” with Giorgos Evgenidis, the minister emphasized the government’s determination to take measures supporting the agricultural sector, while reiterating the commitment to “fair payments” and “developing an institutional framework without past mistakes.”

Kostas Tsiaras on Direct

“The government made the political choice to support the agricultural sector,” said the minister, while also acknowledging the difficult reality farmers face. The government’s initiative to establish measures such as “Measure 23,” which “is not a given but a decision,” highlights the government’s intention to support compliant farmers.

Regarding energy, Kostas Tsiaras stated that “the GAIA program has reopened for cheap agricultural electricity,” while an extension of the “locked” agricultural electricity tariff is also anticipated. Additionally, the return of the excise tax (EFK) on agricultural diesel, legislated by law, was one of the government’s key moves to support the agricultural community.

The minister clarified that “the door for dialogue is open,” stressing the need for a coordinating body among farmers to discuss and find solutions, and for a meeting between farmers–livestock breeders and the prime minister.

According to the minister, cross-checks on agricultural subsidies will continue through spring, and their results will not be easy. However, he made clear that “compliant farmers have nothing to fear,” while reiterating that the program is under strict monitoring to ensure there is no abuse of subsidies. He also mentioned that leftover funds will be allocated to honest farmers.

Closing

The minister also referred to the issue involving a livestock breeder claiming to have the rare Rumliou goat breed, noting that many questions have arisen from scientists and procedures have begun to verify what is really happening. He explained that breeders with rare breed herds receive more funds from European funds.