Tractors on Syntagma: farmers went to protest in the center of Athens after 55 days of blockades

Agrarians arrived in the center of Athens to participate in a mass rally, which began at 16:00 in the square Syntagma. Hundreds of participants gathered early to meet the columns of vehicles and support the protesters.

According to the organizers, about 100 people entered the center of the capital tractors. After coordination with the police, the convoy headed to the parliament building, where the main protests.

The assembly of the columns took place at noon at the payment points in Afidnes, where the equipment passed the mandatory disinfection — measures have been strengthened amid the spread sheeppox. At about 15:00, the convoy, accompanied by patrol cars, headed for the capital.

Some of the equipment entered Athens through Elefsina, then along Athenon Avenue and Spyrou Patsi Street. In a show of solidarity, about 25 taxis also lined the route.

Route and accommodation

After passing control, the columns proceeded along Kifisou Avenue, then through Omonia and along Panepistimiou Street to the square Syntagmawhere, according to the plan, the farmers intend to spend the night in front of the parliament building.

Buses with action participants parked on Karaiskaki Square and on Singru Avenue, near the columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Next, the demonstrators headed towards parliament on foot. The first to arrive were farmers from Crete, arriving early in the morning at the port of Piraeus.

Organizers’ statements

Statements by representatives of farmers

Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Agricultural Associations of Larissa Sokratis Aleiftiras stated:

“All this is happening because after 40 days nothing has been done, not even the crumbs that we received during the meeting with the Prime Minister. January 19 at Megaro Maxim.

Even regulation on diesel fuel has not yet been implemented. There was not a single ministerial decision, not a single legislative act, and we were left with only words, while very soon a large number of farmers will begin cultivating their fields for a new harvest.”

According to him, if the demands regarding the survival of agricultural producers are not met, new road blockages are possible – including at Easter and in the summer.

Chairman of the Panhellenic Blockade Committee Rizos Maroudas noted that the action in Athens is a continuation of regional blockades. After the meeting with the Prime Minister, he said, the problems were not resolved.

Answering the question why the decision was made to mobilize in the capital, he said:

“We wanted to come here, where the heart of Greece beats, to show that the products we produce cheaply reach consumers at exorbitant prices.”

“We are fighting to bring affordable food to the Greek table.”

Farmers intend to remain in Athens until Saturday (14/2), after which they will return to the regions, conduct an initial mobilization assessment and announce a new national assembly to determine next steps.

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