Farmers across Greece have decided to escalate nationwide protests over delayed subsidies, rising production costs and other grievances, while demanding a meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The move came just hours after the government announced a package of measures on Wednesday, which farmers dismissed as insufficient.
Representatives from 18 roadblocks and agricultural associations sent a letter to Rural Development and Food Minister Kostas Tsiaras requesting the meeting.
The government has said no further concessions will be offered, placing the next move with the protesters.
Farmers have been blocking major roads for weeks, briefly easing disruptions over the festive period.
Now, action is intensifying, including the closure of the Tempe tunnels on Thursday morning and a 48-hour closure to trucks at the Promachonas border crossing with Bulgaria. Additional blockades are planned across western, central and southern Greece.
The government’s package, presented by senior ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, includes redistributing €160 million in unused support funds, extending fixed electricity pricing for two years, cutting electricity costs to 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour for those without overdue debts, ELGA insurance changes allowing 100% compensation, investment incentives, diesel excise refunds and a national traceability system.
Hatzidakis said farmers had submitted 27 demands, with 16 fully or largely met, seven outside fiscal or EU limits and four still under review.
Tsiaras said the measures aim to support long-term sustainability, adding: “The government is a government for all citizens and all producers… not only those protesting at roadblocks.”
Farmers at key junctions were due to decide whether to enter talks or proceed with a 48-hour shutdown. Authorities warned fines for tractors blocking traffic would begin Thursday if protests continue.
