Greek farmers block Thessaloniki port amid nationwide protests about aid delays

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Greek farmers blocked the Thessaloniki Port on Friday with tractors, agricultural vehicles and tour buses as part of nationwide protests about delays in aid payments and high production costs, according to the Kathimerini newspaper.

A convoy marked by blaring horns, black flags and symbolic coffins arrived outside the port’s main passenger gate along with a significant police presence deployed to monitor the demonstration.

Arriving in Larissa with tractors in the evening, the farmers left bales of hay at the entrances to lawmakers’ offices, saying they would not enter into any dialogue unless the government commits to solving issues related to production costs, public broadcaster EPT reported.

Protesters will reportedly decide their next moves in general assemblies and at a nationwide meeting of blockade representatives set for noon Saturday in Nikaia, near Larissa.

Farmers staging demonstrations have occasionally blocked intercity highways, airports and border crossings.

They are advocating for the payment of delayed state assistance as well as measures to reduce high production costs.