Farmers rally in Athens: ‘Government has fiscal room but no political will’
Speaking at the protest, Rizοs Maroudas, head of the Larissa Federation of Agricultural Associations and member of the nationwide farmers’ committee, accused the government of pushing producers out of agriculture. More than 40 tractors and over 1,000 demonstrators attended the rally, according to police estimates.
Farmers said they are struggling to remain in their villages and continue producing quality food that is sold cheaply at the farm gate but reaches consumers at high prices. They warned that blockades would resume if their demands are not met.
Opposition leaders also attended the protest. SYRIZA leader Socrates Famellos said his party stands with “honest farmers,” accusing the government of misleading them over fuel, electricity costs and compensation. He called for lower production costs, tax-free agricultural diesel and cheaper electricity, as well as full compensation for livestock losses and the return of improperly allocated farm subsidies.
Communist Party Secretary General Dimitris Koutsoumpas urged the government to take immediate measures to reduce production costs and support farmers and livestock breeders, including replenishing herds and tackling animal disease.
Farmers vowed to continue their mobilizations until concrete measures are adopted.
