Statement by Kyriakos Mitsotakis

Today’s very substantive and candid meeting with representatives of farmers from across the country, I believe, opened a new path for our primary sector. The measures already taken by the government were further specified, some new proposals were also accepted—such as broadening the group of beneficiaries eligible for low electricity prices—and a first approach was made toward a more productive overall restructuring of our agricultural policy.

I would like to remind you that the reform of OPEKEPE has already yielded its first results, with the completion of all this year’s subsidy payments—indeed, with amounts higher than last year’s—while their fairer distribution secured additional funds. These additional resources will now be used to support crops with low market prices as well as our livestock farmers who were hit by the outbreak of sheep and goat pox. But not only that.

In addition, our farmers will have the lowest electricity tariff in Europe. Those who are under a payment arrangement and have proven to be consistent for one year are now included under the same regime.

Furthermore, our farmers will no longer pay Special Consumption Tax on diesel fuel, and as of today they will also not pay VAT on this discount.

Compensation payments from ELGA are being accelerated, and, as discussed during the meeting, there will be a special provision for income losses in the production of plant-based animal feed that was negatively affected by sheep and goat pox.

You know that from the very first moment the government showed great tolerance toward farmers’ mobilizations, recognizing the serious and real problems they face. That is precisely why it responded to many of their demands, while always calling at the same time for sincere dialogue—such as the dialogue we had today.

Unfortunately, however, a party-affiliated minority persists at some of the roadblocks, openly blackmailing society.

After 45 days, however, this disruption cannot continue. The government has exhausted the economy’s capacity in supporting farmers as never before. But it has also exhausted the limits of its understanding toward a sector it has stood by for years. Therefore, we will not tolerate blackmail, illegality, or irrational behavior. And, of course, we will not treat the rest of society unfairly.

This is the direction the government will follow from now on as well—faithful to truth and results, with doors always open to mature and sincere dialogue, but firmly closed to lies, populism, and threats of any kind.

This is precisely the path highlighted by today’s productive meeting with our farmers and livestock breeders.

Where the improvements are identified

The improvements agreed upon during the meeting between the Prime Minister and representatives of farmers at the Maximos Mansion are mainly focused on energy costs. Statements by the Prime Minister are expected shortly; however, according to comments by farm union representatives, it was agreed that steps will be taken so that the reduction in electricity prices to 8.5 cents per MWh will apply to all farmers — including those with overdue debts. An increase in the tax-free quantities of diesel fuel farmers are entitled to, depending on the type of cultivation, was also agreed.

It was also confirmed that, starting in November, there will be direct application of the special consumption tax at the fuel pump.

“Our farmers will have the lowest electricity tariff in Europe. Those who are under a payment arrangement and have proven to be consistent for one year are now included under the same regime. In addition, they will not pay Special Consumption Tax on diesel fuel — and as of today, not even VAT on this discount.
Compensation payments from ELGA will be accelerated.
There will also be special provisions for income losses in the production of plant-based animal feed that was negatively affected by the outbreak of sheep and goat pox. Alfalfa (clover) growers will also be included in de minimis compensation.”

Skrekas Questions Farmers’ Intentions: Dialogue or Conflict

Kostas Skrekas, Secretary of the Political Committee of New Democracy, sent clear messages in an interview with SKAI TV regarding the ongoing farmers’ protests, the Mercosur agreement, the shifting political landscape with a possible coalition involving Karystianou and Tsipras, and recent polling data.

Addressing the agricultural mobilizations, Skrekas described the farmers’ stance as “incomprehensible.” He pointed out that the government and Prime Minister Mitsotakis have extended an invitation for honest and productive dialogue since December 6th. “However, when some insist on not attending and continue tactics that paralyze Greece, a fundamental question arises: Do they want solutions or crisis and conflict?” he asked.

Skrékas also criticized violent behavior during protests, stating, “A farmer who picks up a stick, breaks a police patrol car, and risks injuring or causing even greater harm to a police officer cannot then sit down next to the prime minister to discuss. Could this happen in any democratic country?”

His comments reflect the government’s firm stance against protests that disrupt public order while emphasizing its openness to constructive dialogue with farmers willing to engage peacefully.

Agenda of the Meeting Between Farmers and the Prime Minister
After 3.5 productive and useful hours, the meeting at the Maximos Mansion concluded.

Government sources commented that “a substantial and sincere in-depth discussion took place, covering both the immediate and long-term issues of the primary sector.”

Among the topics discussed were the following:

1. Technical issues regarding property ownership
2. Transition of OPEKEPE to AADE
3. Young farmers
4. Professional representation of farmers
5. Green transition
6. Need to increase productivity
7. New CAP – nationwide dialogue
8. Redistribution of resources to honest farmers – basic and ecological schemes
9. Linking subsidies to production – new model
10. Production costs – electricity and fuel – methodology update
11. Support for alfalfa in affected areas
12. Support for greenhouses
13. Infrastructure – irrigation and rural roads
14. Climate change – water scarcity
15. Agricultural laborers
16. ELGA – regulation changes
17. Farmer training
18. Utilization of unused agricultural land
19. Pesticide prices
20. Foot-and-mouth disease

The highly anticipated meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and a delegation of farmers is about to begin at the Maximou Mansion. Following extensive talks between government officials and agricultural trade unions, 25 farmers will have one-on-one discussions with the prime minister to address pressing issues in the primary sector and explore possible solutions.

Notably, the group includes representatives from the “hard” blockade factions in Thessaly, who until recently had supported escalating protests. The farmers attending represent various associations from across the country, including presidents and vice-presidents of agricultural cooperatives and unions, young farmers, and livestock producers affected by recent biosecurity measures.

The attending farmers include Anastasios Lioliopoulos, President of the Association of Agricultural Producers of Alexandria; Diamantopoulos Adamantios, President of the Pancerraikos Agricultural Association; Balukas Dimitris, President of the Pan-Thessalian Federation of Cattle Breeders; and others from regions such as Lamia, Magnesia, Crete, and Thessaly.

The government’s stance remains firm: dialogue will not occur under the pressure of roadblocks or protests. Officials emphasized the measures already announced to support farmers, including rural electricity discounts, payments totaling 3.8 billion euros, and the return of VAT. They also stated that individuals facing criminal charges or involved in violent incidents will be excluded from the talks.

Reports suggest the government may consider additional support measures, such as further adjustments to rural electricity costs and possible capital compensation for alfalfa (clover) producers through de minimis aid.

Meanwhile, Costa Anestidis, president of the Farmers’ Association Kyminon, announced that farmers plan to partially block roads near Thessaloniki, including a 1.5-hour closure at Malgara’s exit and a 2.5-hour closure at the city entrance. Farmers from Thessaly’s blockade faction intend to keep national and bypass roads closed during the prime minister’s meeting.

This meeting marks a critical moment in the ongoing dialogue between the government and the agricultural sector amid growing tensions and demands for concrete solutions.

 

 

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