Hundreds of Greek farmers gathered in central Athens. They denounce increasingly difficult working conditions and demand an immediate adjustment of the CAP.
It was with anger and determination that hundreds of Greek farmers met in the center of Athens on Tuesday. Just like their colleagues in other European countries, they denounce the rise in fuel prices and the overly strict measures imposed by the European Union. In particular, they demand an immediate adjustment of the Common Agricultural Policy.
“Nothing will be done, nothing. I would like us to stay here with the tractors for two more days, so that we can put more pressure on them. The problem is above all European. But here, in Greece, we have had these problems for years. Every year it’s the same situation. They give us almost nothing and we go backwards.” explains a farmer.
“Enough is enough. We can’t take it anymore. The primary sector must be supported. It is not logical for the government to give money to the rich, to the media and to give so much money to the Ukraine. Something must be done for the farmers. We can no longer hold out” adds his colleague.
The demonstrators recall that agriculture is a crucial sector for the country. Supporting it in these difficult times should be the top priority for governments.
“It is very important that we have reached the Prime Minister’s office for the first time. The whole issue of farmers is now in the hands of the Prime Minister. The protests can be used to put pressure on the EU. The new CAP n “is not in the right direction”, farmers have lost a lot of money and we hope for immediate, medium and long term solutions” says Pavlos Satolias, president of the Kalavryta Agricultural Association.
Greek farmers plan to maintain symbolic blockades on major roads. These tractors are all farmers have had their entire lives. They say they brought them to Athens in a move that is only the beginning of their battle for their own survival. They point out that the farmers’ problem may be European, but it is mainly Greek, and they called on Kyriakos Mitsotakis to solve their problems.