Greek farmers have removed tractors and other vehicles from most highways and key border crossings after over fifty days, as protesters appeared convinced they would not extract further concessions from the government.
The move was decided late Tuesday following two meetings in the past days between delegations for protesting farmers and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Most farmers represented at the meetings had already opened up highways to traffic while keeping certain tractors at protest sites as a precondition set by the center-right government for meetings to proceed.
What are the demands of Greek farmers?
Protesters are seeking higher subsidies and tax cuts, citing spiraling production costs. The government partially met their demands, saying it was limited by budgetary constraints and warning that protracted roadblocks would lead to a police crackdown on protesters.
Some farmers participating in local meetings to assess the situation on Tuesday had advocated continuing the protests. However, the majority determined that there was little more to be achieved at this point although they were not content with how their demands have been addressed.
Farmers decided to keep their vehicles stationed roadside in Malgara, central Greece, with no immediate plans to block the highway again. Later on Wednesday, protesters from the Karditsa region of Thessaly are expected to meet to decide on a course of action.
Related: Mitsotakis Addresses Farmer Protests, Defense, and Relations With Turkey
