Farmers Close Antirrio–Ioannina Highway Indefinitely

Farmers in western Greece have indefinitely closed the Antirrio–Ioannina national highway, intensifying their ongoing protests over economic and regulatory challenges. The blockade comes after days of traffic, where only one lane had been open to ease travel for holiday visitors. As of midday, the remaining lane was closed, forcing drivers onto alternate routes.

The demonstrations are part of broader actions planned across the region. On December 30, farmers in Aetolia-Acarnania are expected to stage a protest in Agrinio, targeting the local tax office and other government offices.

Tensions among farmer groups have surfaced in recent days. The decision by 18 local blocks to support dialogue with the government sparked heated debate, with some clarifying that their participation in recent meetings was solely for information purposes, not formal agreements.

During a live broadcast on ERTnews, two representatives from different farmer associations—Kostas Sefis of the Kymeni-Malgara Agricultural Union and Christos Tsilias of the Thessaloniki Cooperatives—engaged in a sharp exchange. Sefis emphasized that farmers demand concrete, sustainable solutions rather than only financial support, and warned that talks with the government would not proceed without specific commitments. A nationwide assembly to decide on the next steps is scheduled after New Year’s, likely on Saturday.

Tsilias highlighted additional obstacles, including political interference in union activities, rising fuel costs, and unresolved tax issues, stressing that these must be addressed before any dialogue can begin. He insisted that no formal agreements or meetings had been made, and that recent announcements caused confusion in other protest sites such as Nikaia.

Source: tovima.com