The tension keeps rising in Greece, as the farmers' blockades expand, while also planning to convene for new mobilizations and contemplate a descent upon Athens.
Exiting the Platycambos blockade, farmers seek a meeting with Prime Minister Mitsotakis, specifically addressing Thessaly's concerns. Simultaneously, a countdown begins at the blockades for an escalation of protests, even considering a tractor procession to Athens.
It is worth noting that on Tuesday (13/2) the first meeting with the Greek PM occurred, but the parties didn’t come to a resolution. As a result, this noon, farmers started blocking roads with their tractors all over Thessaly.
The next crucial nationwide meeting of blockade representatives from across Greece is scheduled for Thursday afternoon (15/2) in the capital, following measures announced by Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a meeting with the 15-member farmer committee. The atmosphere leans towards continuing the mobilizations. However, reports suggest that Macedonian farmers may hold a separate meeting in Kufalia simultaneously.
The farmers of the ‘Committee of 180,000 Flooded Acres’ clarify their decision in a statement, urging the Prime Minister to meet with a committee representing farmers across Thessaly.
Farmers' Resignation from Platycambos: A Painful Decision Amidst 60 Days of Struggle
On February 14, after 60 days of spirited mobilization, farmers have unanimously decided to strategically withdraw from the Platycambos blockade.
In their statement, the farmers present solid and undisputed arguments that compelled them to make this painful yet necessary decision. Since January, as the committee representing the 180,000 flooded acres in the parakarlia region, they have been advocating for all Thessalian farmers to join the cause and demand justice for the agricultural community, concurrently addressing the damages caused by the September storms. Unfortunately, their initial call went unheard.
«During the nationwide gathering of blockades in Nikaia, the just demands of their committee were clearly outlined. However, despite unanimous support from participants, these demands were inexplicably omitted from media statements and the resolution text.
Moving from sympathy and activism to obscurity, the farmers, through the Platycambos blockade, suggested incorporating their requests into the broader committee's agenda during the meeting in Sindos. Their proposals included urgent decisions on draining flooded farmlands through a tunnel, immediate compensation for flood-damaged areas, destroyed farmlands, and networks of agricultural organizations, without bureaucratic delays, in case of future calamities», the statement reads.
Following these unfavorable developments and their decision to withdraw from the Platycambos blockade, the farmers, through this open letter, urged Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to meet with a committee representing all Thessalian farmers whose lands have been devastated by floods.
«This call is not an ambitious gesture; it is a desperate cry from farmers who no longer have land to cultivate», the farmers conclude.
