by Aggelos Skordas
The first roadblock was set up on Monday by farmers in Karditsa, Central Greece, while their Cretan co-workers have already declared they will also take to the streets in order to protest austerity. In line with the Pan-Hellenic Committee of Blocks decision, Greek farmers are setting roadblocks to express their discontent on increased taxation, the current insurance policy, high production cost and low product prices. As decided at the recent meeting held in Rethymnon, Crete, the Asterousia Association farmers will deploy their tractors at the Pretoria hub, forming the first block in Crete. Farmers from Chania will follow on Friday with a motor rally in the center of the city before heading to Megala Chorafia, where they will set another block. As the agro-unionists explain, roads will not be closed for passing by vehicles.
On his behalf, Aris Polygenis, a member of the Union of Agricultural Associations of Karditsa prefecture, said that within the framework of the Pan-Hellenic Committee, they set up a roadblock on various parts of Highway E65. This mobilisation, he added, will become the precursor for all of Greece to follow, to conclude: “We give the message that we will not stand down until our demands have been met”. As he explained the roadblocks are strengthen daily by more farmers, more tractors and other vehicles.
In a similar tone, the secretary of the Agricultural Associations of Karditsa, Kostas Tzellas, referred to a new round of dynamic mobilizations which will include roadblocks: “Today Karditsa is sending a message to all Greek farmers that we should go out to seek solutions to all our major problems, which deprive us from living and cultivating our fields.” The President of the Rural Associations of Larissa prefecture, Rizos Maroudas, stated that farmers from Trikala and Larissa will follow those from Karditsa on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
