On Feb. 2, about 1,000 Greek farmers and their supporters were prepared to drive tractors and agricultural vehicles through Athens to the Agriculture Ministry. Riot police fired tear gas to prevent the action, which had been organized against government policies that hurt small- and medium-sized farmers. Additional clashes took place the next day.
Chief among the policies protested is the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy, which has facilitated the concentration of farmable land among a few wealthy landowners, helping solidify their control over agribusiness. Over the last two weeks, the farmers have set up roadblocks using tractors and other machinery, cutting road transport within Greece and at its borders.
Among other issues, the farmers are demanding Greek disengagement from the CAP, payment of withheld state subsidies and construction of infrastructure and irrigation projects. Their struggle, tactics and resolve have received the support of labor unions across Greece. Their solidarity and resilience is a strong example of the power of the people.
