Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is to meet with farmers’ representatives to discuss security funds and taxation issues at noon on Monday at Maximos Mansion, according to a government source.
According to a statement issued by Minister of Rural Development and Food Vangelis Apostolou, all farmers blockade committees have been notified and most of them agreed to meet with the prime minister. “We are expecting the remaining committees to nominate their representatives… We are open to dialogue,” the statement says.
Some of the committees that participate in the protest actions have denied to meet with Tsipras unless the government withdraws the draft bill altogether and start negotiations from scratch. It is not certain if all committees will participate in the meeting.
According to a report on Ta Nea daily, Tsipras is expected to offer farmers the following concessions:
- 10% security fund contributions for 2017-2018
- 15% security fund contributions for 2019-2020
- 20% security fund contributions for 2021
- Initially contributions were 14% for 2017, 17% for 2018, 20% for 2019
The Nikaia blockade has called all farmer committees to convene on Sunday at Nikaia. The participation of all committees will determine further actions by the farmers.
At the same time, the Tempi blockade committee is waiting for the prime minister’s official invitation to negotiate.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
