Greek Farmers Plan Tractor Protest in Athens Over Unresolved Demands
Athens, February 6 – Farmers across Greece have announced plans for a large-scale tractor protest in Athens on Friday, February 13, and potentially extending into Saturday, February 14. This decision was made by members of a nationwide farmers’ coordination committee during a meeting held on February 4 in Nikaia, near Larissa. Concurrently, similar demonstrations are anticipated in other major cities throughout the country.
Unresolved Issues Force Escalation
The farmers’ decision to escalate their actions comes just two weeks after they ended highway blockades that had caused significant traffic disruptions nationwide. According to thesspost.gr, farmers assert that the government has not adequately addressed their most critical demands. These include compensation for lost income and the approval of a vaccine to protect livestock from sheep pox. This lack of resolution persists despite a recent meeting between farmer representatives and government officials at the prime minister’s office in Athens. Consequently, many within the agricultural sector report facing severe financial difficulties.
The coordination committee emphasized that while the government acknowledged their concerns, it failed to offer tangible solutions. Key issues, particularly financial support for farmers and effective measures to combat animal diseases, remain unresolved, pushing many producers to the brink of economic collapse.
Deepening Crisis in Livestock Sector
Speaking after the Nikaia meeting, Thanasis Vompiris, president of the Federation of Agricultural Associations of Ilia in western Greece, warned of a deepening crisis in the livestock sector. He highlighted the unchecked spread of sheep pox, which is leading to shrinking herds and threatening the livelihoods of entire families. Vompiris also pointed to the widespread bluetongue disease in several regions, which has decimated herds without any compensation for affected farmers. He stated that the government has yet to approve vaccines for these diseases, citing European Union regulations and the Common Agricultural Policy as reasons for inaction.
Government Accused of Inaction
Farmers contend that by using EU rules as a justification, the government is failing in its duty to protect domestic agriculture. They underscore that their ongoing mobilizations are aimed at securing their right to remain on their land and ensuring their economic survival. Without immediate and substantial support, they warn that the future of farming in Greece is in serious jeopardy.
Further Mobilizations Expected
In addition to the planned tractor convoy to the capital, further mobilizations are scheduled for earlier in the week. Tractor demonstrations are expected to take place inside urban centers on Monday and Tuesday, indicating a sustained period of protest activity across the country.
The farmers’ actions highlight a growing frustration within the agricultural community regarding what they perceive as inadequate governmental response to their economic hardships and the threats posed by animal diseases. The upcoming protests in Athens are expected to draw significant attention to these long-standing issues.
