The Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis speaking on Tuesday morning (30/12) on Parapolitika 90.1 addressed the farmer blockades and how the traffic police are managing the situation, particularly during these days when traffic is increased due to the holidays.
The minister spoke on the show “Face to Face Microphones” with Vassilis Skouris and Sotiris Xenakis and referred to the increased traffic police controls for breathalyzer tests and more, describing them as “victories”.
Chrysochoidis on Parapolitika 90.1 about farmer blockades: “Traffic police doing their job”
Speaking in detail about the farmer mobilizations and claims by farmer representatives that the traffic police are closing roads, Michalis Chrysochoidis called these claims illogical, emphasizing that: “The traffic police are the only ones authorized to do their job. I trust them completely, safety is the priority. They take measures, everything else is illogical. The fact is that no accident has occurred. This should be noted.”
The minister continued saying: “I call on those responsible for the blockades to feel their responsibilities and not engage in extreme behaviors, such as in Kastro. We hope the traffic police continues to do their job.” He added that: “Where they open the roads, the traffic police provide signage for vehicles to pass through tractors. Where roads are closed, they direct vehicles to alternative routes”.
When journalists pointed out what a union representative said, that road management was handled by the company and not the traffic police, the minister said: “That’s not true, the traffic police have the authority. The company follows orders”.
Additionally, when journalists asked: “Should the government take more dynamic measures”, the minister emphasized that: “The agricultural issue is a socio-economic matter. The government did not use legal force, it chose dialogue. The government calls and awaits the farmers. A meeting and negotiation is pending. The government has answers to the problems”.
Breathalyzer tests: 138 fewer deaths compared to last year due to controls
Regarding the increased breathalyzer controls, the minister commented: “The police through their stance and controls are shaping a new social consciousness of responsibility. We drive not under the influence of alcohol. Period. I’ve been at the ministry for two years, in 2025 we enriched the services with personnel who do their job with courtesy and consistency. Last weekend, 17,000 breathalyzer tests were conducted in the Athens basin. Each time there is increasing compliance. This year, we have 138 fewer deaths than last year. This is a victory”.
Finally, when journalists reminded him of his commitment for more motorcyclists with helmets, Michalis Chrysochoidis replied: “We have achieved this completely. Rarely is there a motorcyclist without a helmet. We achieved this mainly in Attica, but also in the periphery. Another victory. It’s the obvious thing to do”.
