Greek farmers' protests against delayed subsidies continue today, with blockades expected across the country. Producers also plan to close the cargo terminal at the port of Volos, the newspaper „Kathimerini“ reports, News.bg reports.
Blockades also continue on key sections of major highways, including the Athens-Thessaloniki route, as well as at border crossings with Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia.
A national meeting of protesters is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, in Nicaea, where farmers will discuss their next steps. The aim is to formulate a common set of demands and appoint representatives to lead the movement.
The Supreme Court of Greece has ordered the immediate prosecution of farmers and livestock farmers who block roads, ports and airports. The order targets protesters who obstruct traffic on national or regional roads or disrupt critical infrastructure. It follows a series of incidents in Crete, including occupations of airports in Heraklion and Chania and blockades on national highways.
The delay in subsidies is the result of investigations into a corruption scandal. Some farmers, who allegedly received aid through civil servants, falsified land ownership in order to obtain payments. Checks and audits have delayed subsequent payments.
Under pressure from the scandal, the government has announced its readiness for dialogue and called on farmers to end the blockades in order to seek a solution to the dispute.