Farmers Prepare For Crucial Decisions After New Year
Greek farmers plan to determine their next course of action after 2 January during a nationwide meeting in Malgara on Sunday. Those who support direct dialogue with the government intend to stay away from the gathering. Their stance highlights divisions within the movement at a moment when the Prime Minister has issued a renewed call for sincere discussions.
Police maintain temporary traffic diversions in several national highway sections despite farmers expressing their intention to ease holiday travel. The farmers committee asserts unwavering determination, describing the mobilisation as a fight for survival and insisting they will not step back.
Traffic Adjustments On National Highways
One lane remains open in both directions at Kastro in Viotia along the Athens Lamia route until at least 5 January. Diversions begin at the Martino interchange approximately 8 kilometers before the roadblock. Traffic towards Athens is routed through side roads, while vehicles heading to Thessaloniki pass through a single lane with alternative options via Anthili and Atalanti. Trucks and heavy vehicles face restrictions except those transporting animals or medicines.
Both directions remain open in Thiva until 3 January, offering some relief to drivers. Major delays continue between Martino and Kastro, where the heaviest congestion is recorded. Additional bottlenecks emerge at the Nikaia junction in Larisa where travelers encounter a 30 minute detour, and smaller detours appear in Pieria, Nea Anchialos and Bralos. The Malgara tolls stay open in both directions.
The Nikaia roadblock features an open overpass to ease New Year travel for vehicles driving from Athens to Thessaloniki. Drivers heading towards Athens must follow detours through Platykampos, the old Larisa Volos route and Kileler.
Regional Positions And Participation Disputes
Farmers at the Prasina Fanaria roadblock in eastern Thessaloniki say they will not attend the Malgara nationwide meeting after arguing that the opportunity for dialogue was lost when the Prime Minister travelled abroad. Their decision underscores ongoing disagreements over negotiation strategy within the movement.
Border Crossings And Holiday Travel
The Promachonas border crossing remains open for all vehicles on New Years Eve, New Years Day and 2 January to assist travelers. The crossing briefly closed to trucks between 16:00 and 19:00 earlier in the day. The Evzones customs station operates normally throughout the holiday period, ensuring uninterrupted movement at this northern entry point.
Local Protests And Community Support
Filotas farmers continue roadside mobilisations while hosting a New Year gathering with participation from local supporters. A tractor convoy demonstration in Ptolemaida took place to inform residents about the demands behind the ongoing protests. One lane on the Ionian Highway is expected to reopen to help travelers, following a symbolic demonstration by farmers in Aggelokastro who threw oranges, hay and manure outside the offices of government MPs in Agrinio.
Committee Position And Call For Unity
The Committee of Roadblocks accuses the government of attempting to smear and divide farmers while praising the support shown by the majority of the Greek public. Their statement argues that attempts at pressure, misinformation or division have only strengthened the resolve of protesters. The committee calls on all roadblocks to send representatives to the nationwide meeting in Malgara at noon on Sunday 4 January to discuss escalation and next steps.
The announcement reiterates their message that they will not retreat, emphasising that their mobilisation represents a struggle for survival and declaring confidence that they will prevail.
