Newsflash from Wednesday, 5 November 2025:
After more than a week of escalating protests, livestock farmers in Crete have decided to temporarily lift their blockades along the Northern Road Axis of Crete (BOAK). The decision follows an agreement to hold a critical meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis in Athens this Friday, November 7.
According to Nea Kriti, the presidents of the island’s livestock associations reached the decision late Tuesday night, following communication with government representatives. The meeting will focus on addressing the farmers’ key demands, which include fair pricing for animal products, prompt subsidy payments, and the implementation of a long-term agricultural strategy to support the struggling livestock sector.
Until that meeting takes place, the farmers have announced a temporary suspension of their mobilizations on the BOAK highway, particularly in Chania and Heraklion, where traffic had been heavily disrupted for several days.
“We are not stepping back—we are giving the government one last chance to prove it is listening,” said one local association leader, emphasizing that the suspension is conditional and that full-scale protests could resume immediately if the government fails to deliver concrete commitments.
Following Friday’s talks, the livestock associations of Crete plan to reconvene in a general assembly to evaluate the outcome and decide on their next steps. Meanwhile, on a national level, the Panhellenic Coordinating Committee of Farmers’ Roadblocks is expected to meet on November 23 to determine its broader stance on agricultural mobilizations.
The farmers continue to stress that their sector is on the brink of collapse, citing unsustainable production costs and a lack of coherent state policy as the main drivers behind their mobilization.
Cretan livestock farmers from Heraklion and Rethymno will resume their roadblocks tomorrow and demand government measures to rescue their crisis-stricken sector. Blockades have been ongoing in Chania for eight days now.
Cretan livestock farmers are once again taking to the roads. Beginning tomorrow, producers from Heraklion and Rethymno will resume roadblocks, following a crucial meeting held in Chania earlier this week.
The decision comes as farmers express growing discontent with what they describe as a lack of strategic state policy to ensure the survival of their sector. According to Giannis Verykakis, President of the Chania Livestock Association, the producers are waiting for their scheduled meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, which is expected to determine their next steps.
While the Chania blockade at Tsikalaria remains in place, the farmers are preparing for a major rally in Athens on November 11, aiming to bring nationwide attention to their demands. On November 23, producers from across Greece—under the coordination of the “Power of the Roadblocks” movement—will decide their collective stance moving forward.
Farmers emphasize that their livelihoods are at stake, urging solidarity from local communities and the government alike. “Our sector is collapsing,” they warn, calling for unity and immediate action to address longstanding issues affecting Greek livestock production.
Source: Nea Kriti
Eighth day of farmers’ protests in Chania: Livestock farmers warn of escalation if demands are not met
For the eighth consecutive day, farmers and livestock breeders in Chania, Crete, remain steadfast at the BOAK highway blockade near Mournies, demanding immediate payment of long-overdue agricultural subsidies and stronger state support for the primary sector.
According to reports from Nea Kriti, the protesters held a general assembly on Tuesday night, attended by representatives from livestock associations across Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, and Lasithi. The participants unanimously decided to continue their mobilizations until the government provides concrete commitments and fulfills outstanding payments they claim have been pending for months.
The farmers have issued an ultimatum to Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, giving his office until Wednesday afternoon to confirm a meeting. If no official response is received, they have vowed to intensify their actions, with new blockades and coordinated protests planned across Crete.
“Our patience has run out. We will stay on the roads until we see real solutions,” said one of the protest leaders, reflecting the widespread frustration among producers who feel abandoned by the state.
The ongoing demonstrations are part of a broader wave of agricultural unrest across Crete, fueled by delayed subsidy payments, rising production costs, and the fallout from the OPEKEPE funding scandal that has shaken confidence in the agricultural support system.
As tensions rise, both local authorities and tourism stakeholders are urging for dialogue to prevent further disruption on the island’s key transport routes. However, the farmers insist that only tangible government action—not promises—will bring an end to the standoff.
