The moment of decision has arrived for Greek farmers, as a nationwide assembly is currently taking place at the Cultural Center of Nikaia in Larissa. All signs indicate that farmers are ready to escalate their mobilizations without a time limit if their demands are not satisfied.
Farmers: Dialogue can only exist if government responds to our demands
Responding to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ invitation for a meeting, they say dialogue can only exist if the government responds to their demands. Otherwise, they perceive it as a communication trick, methodically announced just 24 hours before the nationwide assembly.
Aleiftiras: Mitsotakis acted unilaterally and arranged meeting alone
Sokratis Aleiftiras, member of the Coordination Committee of the Nikaia blockade, told thesspost.gr: “We are determined that as long as there are still no answers from the government, finishing the assembly we will send him all our demands, because I think he’s gotten a bit confused, saying that each region has its own, and we expect clear answers on the demands. We will go into dialogue, if and when conditions are met and suitable ground is found, giving answers as prime minister of the country to the demands. Otherwise, we consider it a government communication game. Moreover, the announcement of a meeting 24 hours before the nationwide assembly makes us believe this. The government says it takes two to tango, a meeting needs two to be arranged, Mr. Mitsotakis acted unilaterally and arranged a meeting alone.”
In turn, a farmer from Larissa noted that today’s assembly will determine their next moves, while the agricultural community refuses to attend another token dialogue. “Today in this assembly taking place in Nikaia, everything will be discussed. From the demands to our further stance. We have said many times that our further stance will depend on the government’s stance. Simply, we cannot go into another token dialogue. We have no time limits, we have been on the road for 40 days. I hope it won’t be necessary now. That the solutions needed are given so we can continue to produce, to survive.”
