Greek farmers’ protests are taking an increasingly dangerous turn across the country.
Having already blocked major highways, demonstrators are now attempting to obstruct ports and airports, leading to violent clashes with the police.
In Crete, farmers forced their way through police barricades to block Heraklion and Chania airports. Police responded with stun grenades, while local media reported that farmers in the fields surrounding the airport hurled stones at officers.
Blockades have been set up nationwide, particularly in the north, where tensions are most acute. A convoy of 25 tractors has also formed outside the office of Agriculture Minister Costas Tsiaras.
Angry Greek farmers urge Brussels to act over EU subsidy scandal
Farmers in Greece have blocked national highways and border crossings with over 5,000 tractors over…
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The dispute erupted after the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) uncovered cases in which subsidy applicants falsely claimed ownership of land, declared farms or pastureland in locations far from their residence, or used fake addresses and forged leases.
As a result, approximately 44,000 producers are currently excluded from receiving advanced EU subsidy payments. Their central argument is that law-abiding farmers are unfairly bearing the consequences of others’ fraud.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has said he remains open to dialogue, but only “with the roads open and not blocked.”
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