Like many in their European opposite numbers, farmers in Greece are difficult their govt do extra to strengthen their running stipulations.
Scores of bright-coloured tractors have been parked outdoor Greece’s parliament on Tuesday, horns blaring, as 1000’s of farmers indignant at prime manufacturing prices introduced their calls for to Athens.
“Without us, you don’t eat,” one banner said. Some farmers carried mock coffins and funeral garlands as symbols of their plight.
The farmers, whose grievances are similar to those at farmer protests elsewhere in Europe, have spent weeks staging sporadic blockades along highways and in rural towns.
Along with the overall cost pressures, many of those who farm in central Greece are still reeling from major floods last year.
The centre-right government has expressed sympathy with the farmers but said budgetary constraints prevent it from meeting all their demands, beyond substantial electricity cost reductions.
Protesters say that’s not enough. They want tax-free fuel, debt forgiveness, measures against foreign competition and speedier compensation for damage from natural disasters.
Farmers are also frustrated at the substantial markup in shelf prices compared to what wholesalers pay them for their produce.
Manolis Liakis, a farmer from the southern island of Crete, singled out fuel costs. He said farmers pay more than three times as much for petrol as shipping companies due to tax disparities.
“We can’t be producing and (selling) our products for ridiculously low prices while the consumer buys them at extremely high prices,” he stated.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a tv interview on Monday stated he may now not make stronger further tax breaks and concessions however sought after to proceed discussions with protesters.
In a display of cohesion, loads of scholars joined the farmers and protested govt plans to finish the state monopoly on college training.
The govt took again a prior risk to dam Tuesday’s protest. Police have been deployed to lend a hand divert freeway visitors, and far of central Athens was once blocked to motorists and public delivery.
The rally ended peacefully – however some farmers deliberate to stick outdoor parliament all evening and go away with their tractors on Wednesday.
