Mitsotakis: Extreme actions do not help the farmers
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The prime minister stated that he is open to a structured dialogue with the farmers, reminding that the government has, on previous occasions, satisfied their demands.
- 03 Δεκεμβρίου 2025 11:30
The prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, referred to the farmers’ roadblocks during the meeting of the Government Council for Economic Policy (KYSOIP).
“I understand the farmers’ frustration over the delays in payments,” Mr. Mitsotakis said. “However, compared to 2024, they will receive half a billion more—from €3.1 billion in 2024 to €3.7 billion in total payments,” he added.
He also stressed: “I make a clear distinction between those who have not been paid due to cross-checking controls and those who are not entitled to the subsidy.”
The prime minister reiterated that “we are always open to a structured dialogue.” He added pointedly, however, that “extreme actions do not help their cause,” and noted: “We have, in the past, satisfied farmers’ demands.”
As NEWS 24/7 reported earlier this morning, the government clearly does not want to reach Christmas with closed roads—and especially with customs posts, ports, and airports blocked—something that would affect imports, exports, and the market. It also does not want the farmers’ protests to overshadow the parliamentary debate on the state budget, which begins on December 13.
It appears, moreover, that officials at the Maximos Mansion believe that, just as the police intervened in university occupations without major social backlash, they may similarly be able to break up the farmers’ roadblocks. After all, the government’s line is summarized in the phrase: “No to blockades that turn against society itself.”
Government sources repeatedly emphasize that two of the most long-standing demands of the primary sector were implemented two years ago: the permanent refund of the Special Consumption Tax for agricultural diesel, and cheaper electricity over a ten-year horizon.
