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19h ago

Greek Farmers Launch 48-Hour Tractor Blockade That Shuts Major Highways

Farmers say soaring costs persist despite last-minute energy relief, with fuel rebates offered.

Tractors block a highway as farmers protest in Kastro, about 130 kilometers (81 miles) north of Athens, Greece, over delays in the payment of European Union-backed agricultural subsidies, on Thursday, Jan. 8 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Tractors block a highway as farmers protest in Kastro, about 130 kilometers (81 miles) north of Athens, Greece, over delays in the payment of European Union-backed agricultural subsidies, on Thursday, Jan. 8 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A tractor with a Greek flag blocks the Chalkida Bridge as farmers protest over delays in European Union–backed agricultural subsidy payments, on Evia island, Greece, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Farmers block the Chalkida Bridge with tractors during a protest over delays in European Union–backed agricultural subsidy payments, on Evia island, Greece, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Overview

  • Sections of the Athens–Thessaloniki artery closed in both directions, with only emergency vehicles allowed through.
  • Police redirected drivers onto secondary routes and did not move to dismantle the blockades.
  • Intercity operator KTEL suspended Athens–Thessaloniki bus services indefinitely due to the disruptions.
  • The government warned it will not tolerate extended blockades after offering cheaper electricity rates and fuel tax rebates, and officials signaled possible fines for traffic obstruction.
  • Protesters demand stronger state support and the rejection of the EU‑Mercosur trade agreement as farmers face delayed subsidy payments and losses from a sheep and goat pox outbreak.