Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis characterized today’s meeting with representatives from the agricultural sector as the starting point for a comprehensive restart of agricultural policy. During the meeting, he emphasized there was substantial and honest dialogue, government support measures were specified, and the path was opened for new proposals to support the sustainability of the primary sector.
Mitsotakis after farmer meeting: End to special diesel tax, they will have the cheapest electricity in the EU
At the same time, as the Prime Minister announced, farmers will have the lowest electricity rates in Europe, while those under payment arrangements who prove consistent for one year will be included in the same system. Additionally, they will not pay the Special Tax on diesel and from today, not even VAT on this discount. ELGA compensations are being accelerated, while there will be special provision for income loss in plant feed production negatively affected by sheep and goat smallpox. At the same time, the Prime Minister made it clear to farmers continuing the blockades that the government’s patience has been exhausted, warning that blackmail, illegal activities, or unreasonable demands will not be tolerated, while keeping open the possibility of honest dialogue with those who choose cooperation.
Full statement by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis after the meeting with farmers:
“Today’s very substantial and honest meeting with farmer representatives from across the country opened a new path for our primary sector. The measures already taken by the government were specified, certain new proposals were accepted, such as expanding beneficiaries of low electricity prices, and there was also an initial approach for a more productive restructuring of our agricultural policy overall.
I remind you that the OPEKEPE reform has already yielded its first results, with the completion of all this year’s subsidies, moreover with amounts larger than last year’s, while their fairer distribution secured additional funds. With these additional funds, crops with low prices and our livestock farmers hit by smallpox will now be supported. But not only that. Additionally, our farmers will have the lowest electricity rates in Europe. Now, those under payment arrangements who prove consistent for one year are included in the same system. Also, our farmers will no longer pay Special Tax on diesel and from today not even VAT on this discount. ELGA compensations are being accelerated, while, as discussed in the meeting, there will be special provision for income loss in plant feed production negatively affected by sheep and goat smallpox.
You know that from the first moment the government showed great tolerance for farmer mobilizations, recognizing the major existing problems. That’s why it responded to many of their demands, while always asking for honest dialogue, like the dialogue we had today. Unfortunately, however, a partisan minority persists in some blockades, openly blackmailing society. However, after 45 days this ordeal cannot continue. The government exhausted the economy’s capacity, supporting farmers like never before. But it also exhausted the limits of its understanding toward a sector it has stood by for years. Therefore, we will not tolerate blackmail, illegal activities, or unreasonable behavior. And certainly, we will not wrong the rest of society. This is the direction the government will follow from now on, faithful to truth and results, with doors always open to mature and honest dialogue, but hermetically closed to lies, populism, and threats of any kind. This is exactly the path shown by today’s productive meeting with our farmers and livestock farmers“.
