Farmers Reopen Border but Choke Highways; Holiday Travel at Risk

08:01 20/12/2025 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

The Promachonas border crossing with Bulgaria has reopened following hours of paralysis, but Greek farmers vowed to intensify blockades on major highways just as the critical holiday travel season begins.

The reopening came after a day of widespread disruption that left freight trucks stranded at the frontier.

While the border is clear for now, agricultural unions announced a significant escalation at the strategic Malgara toll station.

The blockade there will enforce a five-day closure of Thessaloniki-bound lanes until midday Tuesday, Dec. 23.

In a separate show of force, protesters briefly shut down both bridges in Halkida on Friday, temporarily severing the island of Evia from the mainland.

Despite the hardline tactics, organizers offered concessions for the holidays.

Blockades at Malgara will partially lift from Dec. 23 to Dec. 26 to allow Christmas traffic to flow. Similarly, farmers in Trikala opted to keep roads open to protect the city’s popular "Mill of the Elves" attraction.

The unrest is driven by a standoff over high production costs.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking from Brussels, dismissed some union demands as "maximalist."

Giorgos Botas, a representative from the Malgara blockade, rejected the Prime Minister's characterization.

"We’ve been operating below cost for years," Mr. Botas said. "No one asked how we survive. We had to bring tractors to the streets just to be invited to dialogue."

Mr. Botas accused the government of "communication tricks," arguing that authorities offer vague promises rather than the structural overhaul needed to stop the desertion of the countryside.

The government contends it has already met or is implementing 16 of the sector’s 27 demands. With opposition parties Syriza and Pasok backing the mobilization, the administration faces a volatile week as tractors remain parked on the nation's arteries.

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