Blockades at three points by farmers – The critical meeting

The National Highway remains blocked following the farmers’ dynamic protests at various points across Greece. Moreover, after 17:00 in the afternoon, they are expected to meet to decide their next actions.

The farmers state they are determined to escalate their mobilizations until their demands are heard. They are seeking solutions to the problems burdening the primary sector, such as the high cost of production, low selling prices, and the timely payment of subsidies.

Athens–Thessaloniki National Highway closed at the Nikaia junction

In Larissa, around 1,000 tractors remain for a second day on the National Highway, which stays closed as the Nikaia junction is blocked. The detour is via Kileler, with re-entry to the highway through Platikampos.

At the same time, two of the three farmers arrested during the first day of protests at the Nikaia junction received an extension to give their statements, with the judicial procedure postponed to Thursday.

The two detainees were released until then, while the third did not attend the process as he remains hospitalized at the University Hospital of Larissa. There was a strong presence of farmers at the Larissa Courthouse from early morning to support their colleagues and protest the recent arrests.

E65 blocked

The E65 motorway in Karditsa is also blocked, as farmers succeeded for the first time yesterday in shutting down that route. Approximately 1,500 tractors are present at the site.

Traffic blocked toward Athens at Malgara

Farmers and producers from the Municipality of Delta blocked the National Highway at Malgara on Monday morning (01/12). By midday, the direction toward Thessaloniki had reopened. According to Voria.gr, the direction toward Athens remains closed, with Traffic Police diverting vehicles via alternative routes.

Using the service road at the Malgara overpass as a diversion — and after initially agreeing with police that they would line up on either side of the highway without blocking it — tractors suddenly crossed from the opposite side and blocked first the direction toward Athens and then toward Thessaloniki.

According to SKAI, the farmers’ movement is preparing new fronts:
• On Wednesday, farmers from Trikala will set up a blockade at the Megalochori junction.
• In early December, farmers in Magnesia plan to block the port of Volos.
• New blockades are also expected the day after tomorrow in Kastoria, Evros, and Serres.

Government hardens its stance

Earlier, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, asked about the farmers’ protests, stated: “We understand the farmers’ needs and their right to protest and make demands. But there is no chance we will allow traffic to be obstructed and the public to suffer because some want mobilizations.”

He added: “The police must do their job — and they will. The roads must remain open. They belong to every taxpayer. This is the message we want to send. We will do everything in our power regarding payments so that real farmers receive what they deserve. But this government must prioritize upholding the law and protecting the interests of all citizens.”