The Greek government has issued a sharp warning to protesting farmers, declaring that public leniency has been exhausted after tractor blockades severed national highways for hours the previous day.
Officials confirmed that new support measures will be announced Wednesday, regardless of whether union leaders agree to attend talks.
Traffic was brought to a standstill earlier this week at two key intersections on the vital Athens-Lamia highway and in the southern Peloponnese, leaving motorists stranded for hours.
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis signaled a distinct shift in the administration's stance, indicating that the disruption to daily life has become untenable.
“We may all want farmers to get as much as the economy can bear, but we are the government of all Greek citizens,” Mr. Marinakis told reporters.
Mr. Marinakis stressed that the specific aid package for the sector will be unveiled Wednesday. He noted that while the government cannot forcibly tow tractors, the impact on the broader public can no longer be ignored.
“The government has exhausted its leniency in response to recent events,” Mr. Marinakis said. “I believe that the patience of people who spent five extra hours getting to their destination has been exhausted.”
The decision to proceed with the announcement unilaterally suggests a hardening of the government’s position as the standoff threatens to paralyze transport networks for another week.