Farmers block a highway during a protest in Thiva, about 70 kilometers north of Athens, Greece, Jan. 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
ATHENS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Greek farmers on Thursday expressed cautious optimism toward a renewed government invitation for talks with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as nationwide protests and road blockades entered a new phase.
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said the prime minister has invited farmers to meet on Jan. 13 on conditions that all protest groups are proportionally represented and that talks take place without road blockades. He stressed that dialogue cannot proceed while major transport routes remain obstructed.
Farmer representatives in several regions, including Karditsa in central Greece, the Tempi area in northern Greece, and Promachonas on the northern border with Bulgaria, said they were open to discussions, viewing the invitation as a possible step toward de-escalation, according to Greek national broadcaster ERT.
Some groups signaled goodwill by considering the partial withdrawal of tractors, although many emphasized that protests would continue alongside negotiations.
Demonstrations have persisted across the country. Farmers maintained blockades at key junctions, toll stations, and border crossings, including Kakavia in northwestern Greece near the Albanian border, Malgara in northern Greece, and parts of central and northern Greece. Clashes with police were reported, with tensions rising at blockades near Thebes and Boeotia in central Greece.
Greek police said traffic across the national road network remains operational via alternative routes, rejecting reports of a complete shutdown. Authorities added that traffic measures are being adjusted based on developments on the ground.
The nationwide protests began on Nov. 30, 2025, after the payment of EU-funded agricultural subsidies was delayed amid a corruption investigation. Many producers now face a funding shortfall amid rising production costs. ■
Farmers and tractors block a highway during a protest in Thiva, about 70 kilometers north of Athens, Greece, Jan. 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
Farmers block a highway during a protest in Thiva, about 70 kilometers north of Athens, Greece, Jan. 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
