Farmers esclate protests, set up new roadblocks in northern Greece

14:34 11/2/2014 - Πηγή: Matrix24

Farmers’ representatives are heading to Athens to meet with Agriculture ministry top officials. They have also asked to meet with Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras on Wednesday, the vice-president of Imathia farmers’ movement Costas Lioliopoulos told ANA-MPA.

Farmers at the Kouloura junction on the Egnatia

highway have been in a wait-and-see stance and may hold a symbolic protest later in the day. Their collegues in Kavala, northeastern Greece, have set up two blockages in the area.

Farmers in Thessaly, central Greece, have called a rally for Thursday afternoon, hoping that workers from other sectors will join their protest.

Farmers oppose a measure requiring those with turnover below 40,000 euros to keep accounts on spending and income. They demand, among others, a tax-free family income of 20,000 euros, increased by 5,000 euros for each child; that farmers unable to pay debts to the state be not prosecuted; that there is no seizure of property (fields or houses) valued up to 300,000 euros; and a 30 percent haircut in loans up to 200,000 euros. They also hope to reduce production costs (by getting tax-free oil and low electricity rates) and boost livestock breeding.

source: ΑΜΝΑ