Farmers tighten stranglehold on Greece

Author (Person)
Series Title
Series Details 28.1.09
Publication Date 28/01/2009
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Article reports that Greek farmers on the 27 January 2009 extended a blockade of the country’s main roads that is starving the capital of food and medicine, stalling exports and straining relations with neighbouring countries. More than 9,000 tractors have blocked the main route for trucks carrying goods to and from western Europe. Farmers are demanding that the government increases a €500m ($660m, £465m) support package. The incident highlights widening social unrest in Greece as the centre-right government of Costas Karamanlis, Prime Minister, struggles to restore credibility following the December 2008 student riots in Athens.

Related Links
Kathimerini, 29.1.09: Farmers’ united front crumbles http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_29/01/2009_104231
ESO: Background information: Greek finance minister sacked http://www.europeansources.info/record/greek-finance-minister-sacked/
Kathimerini, 27.1.09: Farmers stand ground after talks collapse http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_27/01/2009_104157

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