Farmers' mobilizations continued at the roadblock of Nikea southeast on Wednesday (Christmas Eve), with both farmers and livestock breeders stating they will hold their positions during the holidays. They also spoke with drivers passing through and exchanged holiday wishes with them.
At a press conference, members of the coordination committee at Nikea expressed their holiday wishes to the Greek people, noting that their mobilizations related to survival and ensuring their sustainability in rural regions. Spokesperson Rizos Maroudas stated "there is no other choice but continuing the struggle" because their demands related to "the survival and the future of agricultural production". He also charged that there were attempts to undermine the mobilizations, but he asserted they would not succeed. Farmers did not intend to withdraw without specific answers to their demands, he underlined, adding that no substantive dialog could be held with the government when farmers' demand were described as "maximalist" and major funding was provided to other economy sectors.
Coordinating committee member Yiannis Koukoutsis commented on recent statements by the prime minister, noting that such policies "lead to the abandonment of rural Greece," while farmers require "immediate solutions to their problems". Other members also said that the current policy will make small producers didsappear, that their basic demand is access to vaccinations and the restart of animal production after great stock losses due to animal diseases, and that solutions should include all sectors of production, including fishermen.
Representatives of the farmers clarified that their mobilizations will continue through the holidays, with their form and intensity being set by the decisions of their collective bodies.