Greek Prime Minister Highlights Agricultural Reforms and Challenges in Parliament

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed Parliament on Friday, discussing agricultural sector issues in response to a question from opposition leader Nikos Androulakis of PASOK-Movement for Change, CE Report quotes Athens-Macedonian

Mitsotakis criticized past PASOK governments for "uncontrolled funding" to cooperatives and dismissed claims that his government was ignoring farmers' needs as "nihilistic protest slogans." He highlighted recent government measures, including tax reductions for farmers and efforts to meet producers' demands during last year's strikes.

He noted that the Hellenic Organisation of Agricultural Insurances (ELGA) has paid €294 million in compensation to farmers and livestock breeders, emphasizing the speed of these payments compared to the past. Mitsotakis also reiterated Greece's call for a special EU fund for natural disasters, stressing that the current European fund is insufficient.

The prime minister emphasized the need to modernize agriculture, linking it to tourism and exports. He outlined initiatives to increase productivity and attract investments, including partnerships with countries like Egypt and Bangladesh to address labor shortages.

"We must transform farming into a modern, productive pillar of our economy," Mitsotakis said, urging farmers to embrace change and innovation.