The farmers, frustrated with the payment delays, brought hundreds of tractors to block the Athens Thessaloniki national highway near Larissa, with police responding with tear gas.
By Asaye Bankole
Greek farmers are going all out to get the attention of their government over delayed EU subsidies, clashing with police in central and northern regions.
The farmers, frustrated with the payment delays, brought hundreds of tractors to block the Athens-Thessaloniki national highway near Larissa, with police responding with tear gas.
The protests are part of a larger investigation into a corruption scandal involving fake land and livestock claims, with some farmers allegedly receiving undeserved subsidies.
The government has acknowledged the delays, citing ongoing investigations, and has promised transparency. The situation is ongoing, with more protests planned.
Police say officers made three arrests, but farmers were able to block the highway before more protests planned for next week happen. “We’ll stay here till the government gives us solutions,” Costas Tzelas, a local farm trade unionist, told reporters.
The payment delay is happening while investigations continue into a scandal where some farmers allegedly pretended to own land and livestock to get EU farming subsidies. Greek officials say those involved in the scam made over 30 million euros ($35 million) in false claims for Common Agricultural Policy subsidies.
The Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Christos Kellas, stated on Sunday in an interview with ERT public broadcaster that farmers got reduced EU subsidies because they’re still investigating fraudulent claims.
He said, “They received 100 million euros [$116m] less at this stage. After appeals, those who are entitled to funds will receive them.” Greek authorities are investigating, and the parliament is looking into OPEKEPE, the government agency that gives out about 2.5 billion euros ($2.9bn) in EU aid to farmers each year.
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