MOSCOW, Russia: Roadblocks set up by Greek farmers have expanded nationwide, with thousands of tractors disrupting traffic today.
Protesters continue to demand the renewal of European Union (EU) subsidies delayed by the corruption scandal in Brussels, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported, citing Greek Skai TV.
More than 4,000 tractors have been blocking the roads in the cities of Larissa, Trikala and Karditsa, the channel reported.
Protest actions began over the weekend and are expected to intensify in the coming days.
The Athens-Thessaloniki highway in the Greek capital’s Nikaia area and several other routes around the country have been reportedly closed for several days.
At least 2,000 tractors block the interchange on the E65 motorway which connects the Swedish city of Malmo and Chania in Crete.
The farmers, who are angered by delays in subsidies and compensation after sheep and goats were culled to contain a sheep pox outbreak, are planning to continue the blockade at least until Sunday, and do not intend to enter into negotiations with the government before that.
The blockade is expected to begin on December 8 in Volos, a major commercial port in Greece.
Farmers plan to block the land routes leading to the port, while fishermen intend to obstruct access from the sea. – BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI
