Greek farmers have voted to escalate nationwide protests with a 48-hour blockade of major highways and border crossings this Thursday and Friday, intensifying a monthlong standoff with the government over high production costs and unpaid subsidies.
The decision, taken on Sunday, reached unanimously at a national assembly of agricultural unions in Malgara, northern Greece, aims to paralyze key transport corridors.
Representatives confirmed that tractors will shut down strategic points including Tempi, the Rio–Antirrio bridge, and the Bralos and Siatista junctions.
Additionally, freight traffic will be halted at customs checkpoints along the country's northern borders, including Evzoni and Promachonas.
“We do not want another meeting where we just have cookies with the Prime Minister,” said Rizos Maroudas, a leading unionist from the Nikaia blockade.
Mr. Maroudas told state broadcaster ERT that the escalation is a necessary response to the government's lack of political will to address survival issues facing the sector.
The assembly, attended by representatives from over 50 protest hubs, marked the 35th day of mobilizations.
Farmers are demanding lower energy prices, tax relief, and the immediate payment of delayed EU subsidies.
Kostas Tzellas, a representative of the Karditsa farmers' federation, warned that the government has until Thursday to offer concrete solutions. Without them, he noted, the 48-hour shutdown will proceed, with further actions—including a potential tractor rally in Athens—remaining on the table.
Government officials have urged protesters to return to dialogue, warning that blocking national roads could lead to legal penalties.