Government issues firm warning to defiant farmers as protests escalate

Tensions have risen at several roadblocks nationwide, following what officials described as an “aggressive” incident involving a farmer and police officers in Thessaloniki.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis emphasized that communication channels must remain open but stressed that authorities have “red lines” when it comes to violence or attempts to seize critical state infrastructure such as customs posts, ports, and airports.

“The state will not show tolerance for delinquent behavior. The law will be enforced, without asterisks,” Marinakis said. Officials noted that the government’s overall stance toward the protests remains unchanged for now, keeping rhetoric restrained until the next round of basic support payments is issued. However, they made clear that any effort to occupy key infrastructure or commit acts of violence will prompt a stricter response.

The warning follows an incident in which a tractor driver allegedly attempted to reverse over a police officer. Marinakis also cited a separate attempt by a group of farmers to move toward Thessaloniki’s Makedonia Airport with the intention of blocking access.

He reiterated that the government remains committed to dialogue and has already implemented measures “for the benefit of the overwhelming majority” of law-abiding farmers and livestock breeders. But, he added, such dialogue “cannot take place when serious incidents occur,” including attacks on police that left one officer injured.

Deputy Minister for Citizen Protection Giannis Lampropoulos, speaking in Parliament, condemned efforts to disrupt daily life and essential services. “It is not right to close the roads, to stop the transport of products, to prevent people from traveling ahead of Christmas,” he said, adding that ports, airports, customs offices, and other key entry points must remain open.

Lampropoulos assured lawmakers that all pending subsidies will be paid by the end of December.