12.2.13
It appears that the Prime Minister Antonis Samaras will not be meeting any farmer representatives, as Thessaly farmers’ union leader Vangelis Boutas reported that the PM referred him to “the relevant ministries”. At the same time there seems to be uncertainty regarding the next move and demands, leading to divisions.
A representative of the Initiative for the Reform of the Farmer Union Issue Christos Gontias claimed that the “struggle must be common, but disagree about pursuing local interests”. Mr. Gontias alleged they were unable to coordinate with other farmer unions and that “of there is a division at the road blocks, they are responsible”.
Mr. Boutas responded almost immediately, claiming they were “never united” in the first place. The Thessaly union leader claims that during negotiations Mr. Gontias wanted to be represented as an organized party, rather than as a regional representative.
Over 1,500 tractors are currently at the Nikea roadblock, with further roadblocks increasing in strength at Serres, Drama, Kavala, Evros, Livadia, Domoko, Kilkis, Achaia, Karditsa etc… The five main issues affecting farmers are the cost of production, taxes, insurance, VAT returns and funding from banks.
