Greek and Spanish farmers escalate protests over rising costs
Thousands of Greek and Spanish farmers protested on Tuesday in the latest demonstrations to hit the EU agriculture sector.
More than 120 tractors paralyzed the centre of Athens as farmers honked horns and chanted: "Without us, you have nothing to eat!" Other members of society also joined the demonstration.
The farmers had already travelled from all parts of Greece, including by ferry from the island of Crete, for the culmination of numerous blockades in recent weeks.
Greek farmers are demanding more subsidies and lower taxes after complaining about the sharp rise in fuel and fertilizer prices, as well as too much bureaucracy.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said there was no money spare.
"We have nothing more to give," he told broadcaster Star. He pointed out that farmers had already been given concessions on electricity and diesel prices.
According to opinion polls, around 70% of Greeks have sympathy with the farmers' protest, which is expected to continue until Wednesday.
Germany and France have also been hit by major farmer protests in recent weeks.
Farmers in Spain plan a similar event to their Greek counterparts with 1,000 tractors outside the Agriculture Ministry in Madrid on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, farmers began their journey to the capital having started their protests calling for "fair prices" two weeks ago.
"The demonstration will emphatically express the unease of farmers and livestock breeders in the face of the major crisis facing the sector," the Unión de Uniones said in a statement.
Spain is widely regarded as the fruit and vegetable garden of Europe.
Meanwhile, Polish farmers protested against cheap Ukrainian grain by unloading it in a separate action on Tuesday.
