Greek Government Issues Final Ultimatum to Protesting Farmers

The Greek government has sent a clear message to protesting farmers, signaling that the set of agricultural support measures announced on Wednesday will be final, with no further concessions expected.

As nationwide farmer demonstrations intensify, producers have planned a 48-hour blockade of roads, secondary routes, and border crossings on Thursday and Friday, escalating pressure on authorities to meet their demands. The farmers’ nationwide assembly confirmed the planned action, which aims to highlight grievances over production costs and rural subsidies.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis emphasized that the announced measures are comprehensive and intended for all farmers, not just those participating in the roadblocks. “These are the measures, and there will be no additional measures. There is no more patience,” Marinakis stated. He underscored that the government has exhausted leniency and warned that prolonged disruptions are intolerable, noting that citizens have already faced significant inconvenience due to traffic delays caused by tractors on the roads.

Proposed Measures for Farmers

According to reporting by Christina Korai, the measures expected to be implemented include:

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  Reduction in agricultural electricity costs, likely setting the price at 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour.
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  Tax-free agricultural diesel at the pump through the removal of the excise duty, facilitated by a special card application.
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  Full compensation from the Hellenic Agricultural Insurance Organization (ELGA) at 100% of the insured value.
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  New regulations for property tax (ETAK) and cadastral fees (KAΕK) for farmland parcels under 20 stremmas (2 hectares).

Marinakis clarified that the government would announce these measures with or without farmer representatives present. “We want farmers to receive what the economy can support, but we are the government of all citizens. Those willing to attend the announcements can do so. If not, we will proceed anyway.”

Government and Dialogue Stance

Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras criticized farmers for refusing to engage in dialogue, describing it as counterproductive and unfair to their cause. He noted that the government has already addressed most demands and highlighted that agricultural electricity subsidies are among the lowest in Europe. Regarding diesel distribution, Tsiaras indicated that inequalities in the system would be corrected in collaboration with farmers before the upcoming OSDE declarations.

The minister also confirmed full ELGA compensation, emphasized limitations under the EU Common Agricultural Policy for product support, and reiterated that government financial assistance, such as the Measure 23 grants, was discretionary. Tsiaras stressed that the sector’s challenges are systemic rather than temporary, urging a unified national position on issues such as Mercosur trade agreements.

Concluding, Tsiaras reaffirmed the government’s open approach and willingness to engage in dialogue, stating that excuses for avoiding negotiations “no longer exist.”

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