Greek island in gridlock as farmers block main port for second day

Hundreds of farmers have blockaded the main port of the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos, disrupting ferry services for a second consecutive day in protest over the government’s handling of a deadly livestock disease.

Protesters prevented trucks from disembarking from a ferry that arrived from Piraeus at noon, while allowing passengers to leave the vessel. Departures by boat to Türkiye have been cancelled, leaving Turkish tourists stranded on short-term visas, Ekathimerini reports.

The farmers are expressing anger at the conservative government’s response to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the island, which has led to the culling of infected herds and a ban on livestock and dairy products leaving Lesvos. Among their demands, they are pressing for the swift payment of compensation for culled animals.

On April 14, around 700 people attempting to travel to Piraeus were forced to remain on Lesvos after farmers only allowed national servicemen and individuals travelling for medical reasons to board ferries.

Another Piraeus-bound ferry is scheduled to arrive at the main port of Mytilini on April 15 afternoon, though it remains unclear whether protesters will disrupt embarkation.

By Vafa Guliyeva