All roads leading to central Athens are blocked by police forces who are checking vehicles in an effort to stop farmers from driving their tractors to Syntagma Square for the major protest rally set to take place on Friday afternoon.
Thousands of farmers are on their way to Athens in private cars and buses in order to participate in the major demonstration against security fund reforms in front of the Greek Parliament. At the same time, scheduled blockades continue in Greece’s main thoroughfares.
In Athens, all major avenues and roads leading to Syntagma Square are also blocked by police in order to facilitate protesters to reach the square on foot and keep vehicles away.
As a prelude to the Syntagma Square demonstration, Cretan farmers clashed with police in front of the headquarters of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food at around 10:30 am on Friday.
About 2,000 farmers from Crete had gathered outside the ministry. They tried to enter the building in order to give a petition, but police did not allow them access. Reportedly, the farmers responded by throwing rocks, flares and tomatoes at police and the ministry windows. Riot police responded using tear gas and stun grenades.
Four Cretan farmers were arrested during the clashes.
The thousands of farmers will be joined by thousands of professionals and workers who will demonstrate against security funds and tax reforms in front of parliament.
The farmers unions and the representatives of the 68 blockades have announced that they will camp at Syntagma Square for 48 hours demanding that the government withdraws the unpopular draft bills.
The first tents are already set up at the square, showing the determination of protesting farmers.
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