Strike at open-air markets suspended: Stalls to reopen on January 9

The strike decision taken by open-air market vendors across the country to protest rising product prices has been suspended. According to the decision, open-air markets will resume normal operations as of Friday, January 9, 2026.

Following a meeting held at the Ministry of Development, open-air market producers decided to end the strike, which had been announced as indefinite. In a statement released by the Hellenic Federation of Open-Air Markets, it was announced that the strike had been suspended after negotiations with government officials.

The federation stated that meetings held with Development Minister Theodorikakos at the Ministry of Development, and with Kotsiras and Petralias at the Ministry of Finance, played a decisive role in the decision. The statement included the following remarks:

“Following meetings with Development Minister Mr. Theodorikakos at the Ministry of Development, and with Mr. Kotsiras and Mr. Petralias at the Ministry of Finance, the indefinitely announced strike at open-air markets and the closure of wholesale produce markets have been suspended. Tomorrow (Thursday), neighborhood markets will not operate. As of Friday, January 9, 2026, they will resume normal operations.”

Government sources also commented on the issue, stating that a solution was reached through constructive and concise dialogue with the ministry. It was emphasized that the talks were concluded within a framework of mutual understanding.

The statement further noted: “The dialogue process was completed without any excesses. Sector representatives participated in the discussions, and the indefinite strike has been suspended. The solution will be implemented through a legislative initiative that will strengthen the functioning of neighborhood markets for the benefit of consumers.”