The government appears determined not to let Greece be divided again, presenting yesterday the final – as clarified – package of measures for the agricultural sector, calling once again for dialogue while simultaneously demanding that blockades on major roads be stopped. Indeed, the suspension of producers’ strike mobilizations at farmers’ markets is being utilized as an example of dialogue and consensus by the Maximos Mansion, with government officials commenting that a solution was found after substantial dialogue with the ministry and a meeting with the responsible minister Takis Theodorikakos. They further emphasize that the dialogue was completed without extremes, that industry representatives attended, and that the strike was suspended indefinitely, with the solution reflected in legislative initiative that strengthens farmers’ markets operation for consumers’ benefit.
However, as several blockades, after five weeks of mobilizations, requested yesterday to meet with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the government conveys that the prime minister will receive the farmers, provided that those who pass through the Maximos Mansion door represent all farmers – he cannot meet separately with five representatives from each blockade. Nevertheless, as they state, whichever farmer representatives wish can meet with Kostis Hatzidakis and Kostas Tsiaras, since they have excellent knowledge of the data, both regarding demands and possibilities and solutions. They remind that the prime minister had set a specific time and day for meeting with farmers’ representatives, an appointment they rejected without discussion. They emphasize in parallel that “regardless, the measures are those announced and there is nothing more,” so as not to create expectations for further interventions from the government and relevant ministries.
What the farmers’ support measures include
Yesterday afternoon, Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Minister of Rural Development and Food Kostas Tsiaras, Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou, and Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Thanos Petralias proceeded to specify support measures, presenting six interventions for the primary sector, specifically:
- redistribution of unused basic support resources worth 160 million euros — 80 million euros for livestock farmers and 80 million euros for cotton and wheat producers
- establishing 100% compensation of insured value through ELGA and increasing the maximum compensation limit to 200,000 euros, without increasing insurance contributions
- extending the agricultural tariff “GAIA” with fixed prices for two years and reducing kilowatt-hour prices to 8.5 cents for farmers without overdue debts
- creating an application for agricultural fuel excise tax refund “at the pump” through digital system from 2026
- interventions to strengthen primary sector investments aiming to leverage capital worth 3 billion euros
- developing the National Agricultural Traceability and Authenticity System to combat illegal Greek origin labeling.
They announced simultaneously that overall the government has provided specific answers to farmers’ demands, satisfying – wholly or partially – 20 out of 27 requests that have been made. Earlier, Mr. Mitsotakis had welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s initiative for immediate mobilization of significant resources toward the agricultural sector worth 45 billion euros within the EU’s new Multiannual Financial Framework, emphasizing that it constitutes a substantial step supporting Greek and European farmers and that it’s a proposal showing Greece’s voice in Europe is heard louder and clearer.
The government does not wish under any circumstances confrontation with farmers’ representatives on the roads nor scenes of tension between farmers and riot police officers. “There are no police forces anywhere that have managed to tow 4,000-5,000 tractors,” noted government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, who however pointed out that police “when they see limits being exceeded and law being violated, in cooperation with Justice, must intervene in the best possible way that won’t lead to further escalation.”
