Blockades set up at key junctions on the national and provincial road network remain in place on Christmas Day, with traffic running smoothly.

However, on Sunday, it is expected that there will beanother nationwide meeting to determine the next steps. The farmers’ goal is not only to remain at the blockades, but also to escalate their actions until they get substantial answers.

The farmers say that so far, they have no substantial solutions to their basic problems. Therefore, they consider it imperative to continue the mobilizations after the holidays.

Smooth traffic on the perimeter road in Patras

The picture from the road networks is smooth, while farmers point out that they do not want to cause any problems for holiday travel and assure that they will facilitate the departure and return of excursionists, before and after the New Year.

Traffic is now running smoothly on the Perimetric Road of Patras. Farm machinery and trucks have been moved to the side of the road, while one lane in each direction has been put into use.

Two lanes in each direction have also been given to traffic at the Angelokastro blockade.

Assembly in Nikea on Saturday

Farmers in Nikea also remain at the Larissa blockade. At noon on Saturday, they will hold a general assembly to determine their stance at the nationwide meeting and their next steps.

The traffic police have informed farmers that the concrete parapets installed yesterday will have to remain in place at least until New Year’s Day. The farmers responded negatively and requested the removal of the parapets by Saturday afternoon. They plan to line up the tractors on the road from Saturday until Tuesday, when the New Year’s Eve exodus will begin, and they do not rule out post-blockades.

Vehicles heading to Thessaloniki are diverted through the city of Larissa from the old highway and return to the PATHE from the junction of Girtoni. Similarly, those moving from Thessaloniki to Athens are diverted at the Platykambos junction and return to the highway from the Killers junction. The traffic regulations are expected to remain in force at least until tomorrow.

In Evros, farmers have left the customs office at Kipi open for the third 24-hour period. However, problems for drivers remain, and there is a huge queue waiting.

Farmers are expected to hold a general meeting on Friday to decide whether to continue their mobilisation from the evening of the same day.