Michalis Chrysochoidis appeared clear regarding the development of the blockades by farmers. Specifically, Mr. Michalis Chrysochoidis emphasized that “police did not intervene with the farmers because it was absolutely clear from the first moment that the prime minister and government decided to let them express their demands. Indeed, in this terribly democratic way, for 40 days creating many problems in the country. It was judged, however, that legal force should not be used except where red lines had been set at very critical infrastructure, such as airports and ports.”
Read: Chrysochoidis on farmer blockades: “Unprecedented government tolerance for 40 days”
Chrysochoidis on farmer blockades: “When you submit 30 demands, they are never all satisfied and therefore there is a compromise”
Speaking to SKAI, Mr. Chrysochoidis spoke about problems and great inconvenience to people at customs and on roads especially during holidays, noting that no one can blame the government for absolutely anything in relation to incidents of violence or pressure on protesters/farmers. “There is another issue that is more serious, more political and more social” – as he said – “which is the following: all social groups and all trade unions always leave a gap, so that there can be relief and a compromise. When you submit 20-30 demands, they are never all satisfied and therefore there is a compromise. This is democracy and whoever does not understand this view, then they themselves have a problem understanding democracy itself.”
“Therefore, any continuation of an ordeal that has created enormous problems is not justified from now on. It’s not just the inconvenience, it’s also the economic damage to the country,” the minister emphasized immediately after, while when asked if police would intervene if the mobilizations continue, he replied that the law provided for under the provisions would be applied. Regarding the insults by Kostas Anestidis toward the prime minister, the minister did not want to say anything, only saying that “this person allegedly represents thousands of people.”
Chrysochoidis on breathalyzer tests: “There is compliance, a social consciousness is being formed”
Finally, the discussion revolved around breathalyzer tests and the continuous checks conducted on drivers, with Michalis Chrysochoidis speaking about a comprehensive policy that has been established. “Violations started at 4-5%, right now it’s about a little above 1%,” he said characteristically. “There is compliance, a social consciousness is being formed that when we go out we don’t drink when we drive. All this is a great victory and the greatest victory is that in 2025 we have 135 fewer deaths on the road. Think about how important this is,” he added and informed that in Attica alone every Friday and weekend up to 20,000 breathalyzer tests are conducted.
