Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis sent a clear message to farmers who are escalating their protests, stressing that the state cannot allow the country to be brought to a standstill or citizens to be inconvenienced by demonstrations.

Speaking to the television station Mega, he said that “the vast majority of farmers’ demands are being implemented” and pointed out that long-standing requests—such as cheaper electricity—are being accepted within the limits of the economy’s capacity. However, he made it clear that there is no fiscal room for additional measures, emphasizing that “every extra euro means higher taxes for the rest of the citizens.”

The government spokesperson called on the opposition to explain where the funds for its proposals would come from, noting that “anyone asking for more must say where they will impose taxes.” At the same time, he left open the possibility of further support in the future, “when the money becomes available.”

Referring to the roadblocks, Mr. Marinakis stressed that “the few cannot inconvenience the many” and urged farmers to consider the impact of their actions on citizens’ daily lives. He also clarified that the Hellenic Police, in cooperation with the judiciary, must intervene if limits are exceeded, adding that the police will decide how to act if intervention is deemed necessary.

He also spoke about the need to implement a plan without extremes in order to defuse the crisis, stressing that dialogue can continue without roadblocks, as “leaving the roads does not mean abandoning demands.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, he referred to OPEKEPE, noting that “a decisive end is being put to long-standing dysfunctions that took too long to be addressed.”

Regarding the political move by Ms. Karystianou, the government spokesperson said that although “every victim’s relative is sacred,” collective and personal grief cannot be turned into a means of personal political advancement. He stressed that a tragic event cannot serve as an excuse for undermining institutions. He also pointed out that Mr. Farantouris was elected to the European Parliament with SYRIZA, adding: “I do not want to believe that Ms. Karystianou, who says she will enter politics under different terms, would accept into her party someone who holds a seat obtained through another party.”

Finally, commenting on statements by Yanis Varoufakis about drugs, he described them as “shameful and disgusting,” stressing that there are parents who have lost their children to drug use. “There is no such thing as a good drug,” he said, adding that such statements could be interpreted as an indirect encouragement.