Mitsotakis warns farmers risk losing public support if dialogue is refused
Speaking in an interview with broadcaster Action 24, Mitsotakis referred to ongoing agricultural protests, noting that the coming days are critical for Greece’s economic activity and the supply of goods to the market. “The more citizens are inconvenienced, the more farmers lose the legitimacy of their demands, especially when they do not want to talk,” he said.
The prime minister acknowledged government responsibility for delays in implementing key reforms, stating that payments owed to farmers will be completed by the end of the year. He added that a new system has been put in place to ensure subsidies are paid more quickly and with greater transparency.
Mitsotakis said Greece has approximately 400,000 professional farmers, compared with an estimated 4,000 tractors currently participating in roadblocks. He stressed that the government seeks dialogue not only with protesters but also with the majority of farmers and livestock breeders who are not taking part in the demonstrations and face genuine challenges.
“We do not want to speak only to those at the roadblocks, but also to the vast majority who are not there,” he said, adding that many of those involved in the protests are open to dialogue.
However, he claimed that a smaller group is exerting pressure to prevent engagement with the government. “There are some who are essentially bullying others, insisting on not breaking ranks and systematically opposing the government,” Mitsotakis said.
He concluded that any resolution to the issue can only be achieved through constructive dialogue, warning that actions intended to pressure the government ultimately harm society as a whole.
