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Greek Farmers Disrupt Crete Airports as Subsidy Protests Turn Violent

The disruption follows frozen EU farm payments pending a fraud probe into thousands of suspect subsidy claims.

Overview

  • Farmers occupied the runway at Heraklion from 13:00, halting flights, and blocked access to Chania’s terminal, according to airport and media reports.
  • Clashes on Crete included tear gas fired by police, a retreat by officers, and an overturned police vehicle near Chania, with further confrontations reported by Heraklion.
  • A regional livestock union leader said no one would enter or exit the airports until Tuesday morning, while operator Fraport warned of delays and temporary disruptions.
  • Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the government is open to talks and reiterated that law-abiding farmers will receive their money once checks conclude.
  • EU prosecutors have flagged thousands of suspect applications tied to area-based subsidies, with Greek officials citing more than €30 million at issue, and protesters are also seeking compensation for over 400 culled sheep and goats after a sheep-pox outbreak.