Strong support for farmers in Rhodope: MPs, Mayors, and NGOs join highway protest

Farmers protesting on the Egnatia Motorway in Western Thrace received strong backing from Rhodope’s political leaders, municipal authorities, civil society organizations, and local residents, who gathered at the barricades in a powerful show of solidarity.

Support for the ongoing farmer demonstrations in Rhodope continues to grow. On Friday morning, prominent local officials, representatives of Turkish minority institutions, and numerous citizens visited the farmers’ protest site on the Egnatia Motorway.

High-Level Delegation Visits Protest Site

The support delegation included:

• Rhodope MP Özgür Ferhat
• Gümülcine Mayor Yannis Garanis
• Yassıköy Mayor Caner Imam
• Maronia–Şapçı Mayor Apostolos Ioannou
• Deputy Regional Governor for Rhodope Manolis Tapachas
• Thrace Tobacco Producers’ Cooperative President Sinan Ahmet
• FEP Party Deputy Chairman Metin Hacıosman
• along with deputy mayors, representatives of minority associations and federations, and many local residents.

“The Farmers’ Struggle Is Our Struggle”

During discussions at the site, local leaders emphasized their full support for the farmers’ legitimate demands, stressing that this struggle belongs not only to the agricultural sector but to the entire region. Minority media in Western Thrace highlighted that the visit provided significant moral support to protesting farmers.

The delegation was briefed on the farmers’ challenges, including rising production costs, low purchase prices, economic hardship, and insufficient state support.

Taxi Drivers Join in Solidarity

In a separate show of support, taxi drivers from Gümülcine also joined the protest. Several drivers visited the demonstration area with their vehicles, expressing solidarity directly to the farmers — a gesture seen as proof that support across the region extends beyond statements and into concrete action.

Determined Struggle Across Western Thrace

As nationwide protests by farmers, livestock breeders, and beekeepers continue across Greece, Rhodope’s farmers remain steadfast in their pursuit of their rights. Local observers expect the demonstrations in the region to intensify in the coming days.