Farmers blockade Lesvos port as protests continue across Greece

A ferry departed from the Greek island of Lesvos without passengers after local farmers blocked access to the island’s port as part of ongoing protests. The Diagoras, a Blue Star Ferries vessel, set sail for Chios and Piraeus despite being unable to board any travelers. 

The farmers had positioned tractors and other agricultural vehicles at the port, effectively halting vehicle and passenger access to the ferry. This blockade is part of a larger nationwide protest over delayed payments of European Union-backed agricultural subsidies, following a scandal involving fraudulent subsidy claims, Caliber.Az reports via Greek media. 

The farmers have vowed to maintain the blockade until the government offers clear commitments and engages in meaningful dialogue. They argue that agriculture and livestock are essential to Lesvos’ economy, and the delay in payments has severely impacted their livelihoods.

Protests have escalated across Greece, with farmers deploying thousands of tractors and agricultural vehicles at border crossings and major highways. They have periodically halted traffic and threatened to impose further blockades on key roads and airports.

In addition to the port blockades, farmers have also targeted airports. Flights at Hania Airport on Crete resumed after a brief interruption when protesters blockaded the main entrance. However, protesters remain inside the airport for a meeting to decide their next steps. A local farmers’ leader stated they would remain at the airport until 7 a.m. the following day, after which they would reassess their course of action

By Sabina Mammadli