Farmers in Northern Meriç announce roadblock at Kestanelik on December 7

Farmers in northern Meriç have decided to set up a roadblock at the Kestanelik junction on Sunday, 7 December, at 12:00 noon. The decision was taken during an open assembly held on Thursday night (27/11), organized by the four local agricultural associations.

More than 100 farmers participated, expressing determination for strong and large-scale mobilizations. The action in Kestanelik will serve as the starting point, where the farming community intends to “measure its strength” before escalating and extending mobilizations to other areas—including up to the Çirmen border crossing.

Çirmen, Greece’s northernmost border point, was the second proposal discussed, with many participants strongly supporting it as a “more dynamic” option. The presidents of the four agricultural associations emphasized that their struggle “will be long and will require patience on the roads,” coordinated with blockades across the country. They also stressed that farmers will “set aside party affiliations and focus solely on one goal: securing the satisfaction of their demands to ensure their survival.”

The atmosphere in the unusually packed hall of the Workers’ Center was tense, as farmers discussed the numerous problems that have placed them “in the worst position ever,” as noted. There was also intense debate over the gathering point for tractors, with many advocating in favor of the Greek–Bulgarian border at Ormenio as a location that would “put greater pressure on the government.”

The first sign of the upcoming mobilizations is expected on 5 December, when tractors will begin appearing in village squares. Meanwhile, farmers in the Alexandroupoli region are also preparing to announce their own protest actions.

Source: ERT Orestiada