Farmers Converge on Central Athens in Major Protest
Athens, February 13, 2026 – Hundreds of farmers from across Greece converged on central Athens with their tractors on Friday, February 13, 2026, staging a significant protest in Syntagma Square. The demonstration, organized by a nationwide committee coordinating roadblocks, highlights ongoing grievances regarding agricultural policies and economic conditions.
Convoy Reaches Syntagma Square, Protesters to Stay Overnight
The convoy of tractors reached Syntagma Square at approximately 4:45 p.m. Protesters have indicated their intention to remain overnight, with plans to depart by midday Saturday. This prolonged presence underscores the seriousness of their demands and their determination to be heard by the government.
In a show of solidarity, labor unions, which had scheduled a separate protest at the same location earlier on Friday against a government bill on collective labor agreements, remained on site to support the farmers. Students also joined the demonstration, marching from Omonia Square to Syntagma, further amplifying the protest’s reach and visibility.
Traffic Disruptions Across Attica
Authorities had announced extensive traffic measures across central Athens and major highways in the wider Attica region in anticipation of the tractor convoy. Police implemented restrictions gradually, depending on conditions, and urged drivers to follow officers’ directions. Significant congestion was reported at key entry routes into the capital, including the Athens-Corinth and Athens-Lamia national highways, as well as along Athinon Avenue during the tractors’ arrival. Disruptions were also anticipated on major central roads, including Stadiou, Panepistimiou, and Akadimias streets, and Amalias and Vasilissis Sofias avenues, affecting daily commutes and city logistics.
Core Demands Remain Unchanged
Farmers reiterated that their core demands remain unaddressed. These include:
- Lower production costs: A crucial issue for farmers facing rising expenses for fuel, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs.
- Guaranteed prices for agricultural products: To ensure fair compensation for their produce and protect them from market fluctuations.
- Changes to regulations governing the ELGA state insurance system: Seeking more comprehensive and timely compensation for crop losses due to natural disasters.
- Full compensation for crop losses: A demand for adequate financial support to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions and other unforeseen events on their livelihoods.
These issues, they argue, were raised in recent meetings with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis but were not resolved to their satisfaction, prompting the continuation of their mobilizations across the country.
Previous Protests and Future Actions
This protest in Athens follows a series of ongoing farmer demonstrations across Greece, which have included blockades on highways and other forms of direct action. Previous reports indicated traffic disruptions due to blockades on the Athens-Thessaloniki highway in Viotia and renewed blockades at Nikaia. Farmers have consistently expressed their resolve to continue protests until their demands are met.
The current demonstration in the heart of the capital marks a significant escalation, bringing the farmers’ plight directly to the doorstep of the government and drawing broader public attention to their struggle. The outcome of these protests and the government’s response will be closely watched as the agricultural sector continues to grapple with economic challenges.
Source: https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1295262/farmers-bring-protests-to-central-athens/
