Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday called on protesting farmers to ease their nationwide road blockades, even as he promised significant payments to be disbursed by the end of December. His appeal came as clashes broke out between demonstrators and police near Heraklion Airport in Crete.
Speaking at a health conference in Athens, Mitsotakis reaffirmed his conservative government’s commitment to dialogue but insisted that discussions must take place with roads open.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the farmers’ grievances—primarily centered on an estimated €600 million shortfall in EU subsidies and other payments, currently frozen amid a corruption investigation into agricultural aid distribution.
“The door of the government is open,” he stated. “It would be better for dialogue to happen with open roads, not closed ones.”
He urged farmers to organize, ensure proper representation, and “come with clear demands, and engage constructively.”
Mitsotakis warned that sustained, disruptive blockades risk alienating the broader society, even if their demands are legitimate.
Despite delays, he reaffirmed that “significant payments will be made by the end of December,” while stressing that any final measures must strictly comply with EU rules.
Farmers escalate protest and clash with police in Crete
The Prime Minister’s appeal coincided with a significant escalation of the protests, marked by confrontations in Crete.
Tension flared outside Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport in Heraklion, Crete, as a convoy of protesting farmers and livestock breeders attempted to block the main entrance.
Police had cordoned off access routes to the terminal, preventing the tractor convoy from reaching the airport grounds.
Clashes broke out when protesters pushed forward, prompting police to fire tear gas and stun grenades. Demonstrators responded by throwing stones. No serious injuries were immediately reported.
Nationwide mobilization
The demonstration in Crete is part of a wider, intensified mobilization across Greece. Farmers have set up more than 20 protest points nationwide, lining major highways with thousands of tractors to protest delayed subsidies and rising production costs.
Organizers in Crete announced that new assemblies are planned to determine the next steps in their campaign.
Related: Crete Is the Major Culprit of the Farm Subsidy Scandal in Greece
