A prominent protest leader has been ousted from Monday’s critical talks with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis after video surfaced of him making lewd remarks about the premier, further straining tensions between the government and striking farmers.
Farmers at the Malgara roadblock near Thessaloniki confirmed Saturday that Kostas Anestidis would not join the delegation traveling to Athens.
The decision follows the broadcast of Mr. Anestidis making obscene comments regarding Mr. Mitsotakis on Thursday, moments before addressing reporters.
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis had already ruled out Mr. Anestidis’ participation, citing the offensive nature of the slur.
“Long before this video, Mr. Anestidis was not acceptable at this meeting,” Mr. Marinakis said. “The video came to confirm everything we were saying.”
Mr. Anestidis attempted to downplay the incident as a “friendly conversation” recorded out of context but offered an apology, describing himself as a “straightforward person.”
The exclusion comes as the government hardens its stance against the weeks-long blockades. Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis warned Saturday that authorities are prepared to enforce the law if disruptions continue.
“When you submit 20 or 30 demands, they cannot all be met,” Mr. Chrysochoidis told Skai TV. “Whoever does not understand this rule has a problem understanding democracy itself.”
The Monday meeting is seen as a final attempt to resolve the standoff over agricultural costs before protests potentially escalate.