Greek farmers this Friday continued protests across the country that have lasted three weeks, with roads and border posts blocked, while the government meanwhile announced a meeting with representatives of the sector next week.
This Friday, protesters blocked the road leading to the country’s third-largest port of Igoumenitsa, blocking the passage of trucks transporting goods towards Italy.
Road closures continued in other parts of the country as farmers in northern Greece prepared to block the border post with neighboring North Macedonia for four hours.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ spokesman said this Friday in a statement on SKAI television that the conservative leader “will meet next Tuesday with farmers.”
“The Prime Minister has demonstrated that he is always open to dialogue,” the spokesman said, stressing that the government was committed to knowing who would represent farmers at the meeting.
Agricultural associations have already written to Mitsotakis with their demands, which include a “review” of the European Union’s (EU) Common Agricultural Policy, government subsidies for feed and other products, and compensation to “fully cover” losses. caused by the recent natural disasters that hit the country.
Farmers in the Thessaly region (centre), the country’s largest agricultural area which was completely flooded last September due to a severe storm, still need a series of works to control rivers and ensure the protection of their crops.
The Greek government confirmed its willingness to engage in dialogue with farmers, but based on “realistic proposals,” saying that “fiscal benefits are not unlimited.”
Last week Mitsotakis announced an increase in aid for individual farmers in central Greece hit by severe flooding in September from the current 2,000 euros to a maximum of 10,000 euros.
Greece’s conservative government also announced it would reimburse some 300,000 farmers this year, as in 2023, for a special diesel tax.
However, farmers considered these measures “insufficient” and demanded that fuel should not be taxed, pointing out that many of them still have not received a single euro of the compensation promised by the state.
European farmers, including in Portugal, have taken to the streets in recent weeks, cutting roads with tractors and participating in street protests, demanding an easing of the CAP and more support for the sector, among other demands, actions that have already led some governments to enact new support measures.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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