What began as regional demonstrations has evolved into a coordinated nationwide movement, with major transport arteries increasingly disrupted and farmers vowing to maintain their actions until concrete solutions are delivered.
Highway Blockades Expand in Thessaly
The main protest hub remains Nikaia, where tractors continue to block the national highway. Farmers there unanimously agreed to intensify their actions, closing nearby service roads on Monday evening to increase pressure on authorities. Protesters say they will not withdraw without firm government commitments.
In Thessaly, farmers are planning one of their most symbolic actions yet: a joint blockade of the port of Volos on Wednesday morning. Local fishers are expected to participate from the sea, underscoring concerns over rising imports and their impact on domestic production. A large regional mobilization is also scheduled for Thursday in Nikaia, bringing together unions, associations, and community groups to coordinate next steps.
Meanwhile, in western Thessaly — including Karditsa and Trikala along the E65 motorway — the number of tractors continues to grow. Farmers there are holding on-site assemblies, setting up encampments, and receiving support from local organisations.
Severe Disruption Around Thessaloniki
Northern Greece is experiencing some of the most significant traffic disruption, with Thessaloniki now encircled by four major blockades:
- At Chalkidona, the old highway toward Edessa remains closed for extended periods.
- In Malgara, traffic toward Athens is shut indefinitely, while access to Thessaloniki opens and closes throughout the day.
- At the Derveni junction, access roads have been blocked by farmers from surrounding rural areas.
- At the “Green Lights” intersection, a key route to Thessaloniki airport has been closed, forcing travelers to detour through Thermi.
Farmers in Central Macedonia are also considering moving protests into Thessaloniki itself, including the possibility of blocking the city’s port later in the week.
Larisa Prepares Further Escalation
In Larisa, protesters are preparing to shut down additional side roads along the national highway, aiming to further intensify pressure on the government.
Government Seeks a Delicate Balance
The government is attempting to balance recognition of farmers’ grievances with the need to maintain public order, particularly as the holiday season approaches. Earlier efforts to prevent tractor blockades triggered clashes with riot police, prompting officials to shift toward a less confrontational approach.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has not yet met directly with protest representatives, assigning talks to the deputy prime minister. Government sources suggest, however, that Mitsotakis may intervene personally if upcoming subsidy payments or proposed electricity-cost relief measures fail to ease tensions.
Lawmakers from rural constituencies have warned of deepening frustration among farmers and livestock producers. Many have seen subsidies decline sharply this year, despite having no connection to a recent payment scandal — a development that has further inflamed anger and driven the current wave of protests.
As blockades tighten across Greece, farmers insist they will not back down until their demands are addressed.
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