All-night vigil in Syntagma for farmers - 44 tractors lined up, leaving on Saturday
Farmers participating in a nationwide rally in Athens plan to hold 44 tractors overnight in Syntagma Square, with a structured departure planned for Saturday afternoon.
Agricultural workers in Greece are staging a significant protest in Syntagma Square, where 44 tractors are parked overnight as part of a nationwide demonstration organized by the Nationwide Committee of Blockages. The protest culminated on Friday evening with speeches from farmers and agricultural union representatives, highlighting the issues they face and calling for governmental support. The gathering saw participation from various supportive organizations, including labor unions and student groups, showcasing a broad coalition backing the farmers' demands.
On Friday night, the atmosphere in the square was electric, filled with the voices of over a thousand participants, all united in their pleas for better agricultural policies and government action. According to police estimates, the presence of farming machinery and participants illustrates the scale of discontent among the agricultural community, which has been voicing its grievances over recent policy decisions perceived as unfavorable to farmers. The coalition gathered not just to protest but to demonstrate solidarity in their struggle for equitable treatment.
Rizos Maroudas, the president of the Larissa Federation of Agricultural Associations, addressed the crowd, asserting that while the government has the financial capacity to support agricultural policies, there is a lack of political will to enact them. His statements reflect ongoing tensions between the farming community and state authorities, highlighting the need for dialogue and actionable solutions to the challenges faced by farmers in Greece. The planned structured departure on Saturday afternoon signifies both an end to the current phase of protest and a continued commitment to pursuing their demands in the political arena.