Athens, Greece – The Panhellenic Federation of Popular Market Vendors (POSPLA) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike set to begin on January 7, 2026. This action follows a series of unsuccessful negotiations and aims to address critical issues affecting the livelihood of thousands of vendors and producers across Greece. The federation has outlined a three-day program of protests in Athens to highlight their demands.
Three-Day Protest Schedule in Athens
The strike actions will commence on Wednesday, January 7th, with a gathering at Syntagma Square at 9:30 AM. From there, participants will march to the Ministry of Finance, located on Nikis Street. This initial demonstration aims to directly confront policymakers with the vendors’ grievances.
On Thursday, January 8th, vendors will gather at the central gate of the Renti Central Vegetable Market at 8:00 AM. This location, a hub for agricultural produce, underscores the economic impact of their demands on the entire supply chain.
The final day of planned protests, Friday, January 9th, will feature a motorized procession. The convoy will start from Kifissos and Lenorman (on the side road near Panagitsa) and proceed to the Afidnes toll booths, symbolizing the widespread nature of their concerns and their readiness to disrupt key transportation arteries if their demands are not met.
Key Demands of the Popular Market Vendors
POSPLA emphasizes that despite popular markets celebrating 100 years of operation this year, their future remains uncertain due to mounting financial pressures. The vendors’ core demands include:
- Taxation Reform: The primary demand is the modification of the presumptive taxation method. Vendors are calling for the abolition of the additional 10% tax for assistants, the elimination of seniority-based taxation (trieties), and the removal of taxation based on the average NACE code.
- Withdrawal of Electronic Dispatch Note: The federation demands the immediate withdrawal of the electronic dispatch note system, arguing that it creates unnecessary bureaucracy and operational hurdles.
- Reduction of Production Costs: A crucial demand is the reduction of production costs for agricultural products. Vendors assert that lower production costs are essential to maintain affordable prices for consumers, thereby supporting both producers and end-users.
- Debt Settlement: Vendors are also seeking the option to settle outstanding debts to the state in 120 installments, providing much-needed financial relief and stability.
POSPLA’s statement concludes with a strong assertion that popular markets have not only a rich past but also a viable future, provided that their legitimate concerns are addressed by the government. The indefinite strike signals a determined effort by vendors to secure the necessary reforms to ensure the continued operation and accessibility of these vital community markets.
This strike action comes amidst broader agricultural protests across Greece, with farmers intensifying their demonstrations. Blockades remain open at various points, including Malgara, Evzoni, Promachonas, and the Niki customs office, to facilitate holiday traffic. However, farmers are expected to convene a nationwide meeting on Sunday to decide on further escalation of their protests. The popular market vendors’ strike is a separate, but related, movement reflecting widespread discontent within the primary sector regarding economic policies and rising costs.
Source: [tanea.gr](https://www.tanea.gr/2026/01/04/economy/apergia-diarkeias-stis-laikes-agores-poreies-kai-sygkentroseis-stin-athina/), [businessdaily.gr](https://www.businessdaily.gr/koinonia/178424_apergia-ep-aoriston-stis-laikes-agores-apo-712026), [parapolitika.gr](https://www.parapolitika.gr/ellada/article/1658877/apergia-laikon-agoron-kleinoun-ep-aoriston-apo-7-ianouariou-2026/)
