Greek beekeepers take hives to parliament in protest
STORY: The bee farmers lit smokers and donned beekeeping suits as they piled the box hives in front of the assembly.
On Tuesday (February 20) farmers from across Greece camped out overnight with their tractors in front of the building as part of weeks of protests.
Like other farmers, beekeepers have been affected by flooding that has wiped out hives, and also face high production costs as well as competition from imports. Bee farmers said they want labelling on honey that is not pure Greek content, as well as tax-free fuel and subsidies.
At least 8,000 farmers, beekeepers and livestock breeders took part in the protest on Tuesday, echoing grievances at similar demonstrations across Europe.
The government has so far offered discounts on power bills and an extension of a tax rebate for agricultural diesel to the end of 2024. It has also said it is willing to discuss a more permanent tax rebate scheme, but that there is no chance of further concessions this year.
