Protesting farmers take over airports on Crete, injure police officers, as protests turn ugly

The most severe confrontations occurred at Heraklion and Chania airports, where protesters breached perimeter lines, overturned a patrol car, and hurled stones at security forces.

 Police responded with tear gas and arrested two individuals.

Authorities are pursuing charges, including attempted homicide and dangerous bodily harm against roughly 20 identified suspects, several of whom reportedly have extensive criminal records.

Heraklion’s Nikos Kazantzakis Airport was forced to close twice, stranding travelers, and remained shuttered until Tuesday morning.

The unrest has paralyzed infrastructure across the mainland as well. At a strategic meeting in Trilofos, representatives from 20 blockades stretching from Larissa to Komotini formed a new coordination committee to escalate disruptions.

In northern Greece, tractors have indefinitely sealed off the southbound lanes of the Malgara tolls, severing a key transport artery to Athens.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned that extreme tactics risk alienating public support, though the government is weighing new relief measures.

"Protests must take into account the broader society," Mr. Mitsotakis said.

Officials are considering extending discounted agricultural electricity rates of 9.2 cents per kilowatt-hour for another year.

The Agriculture Ministry is also reviewing fuel tax refund mechanisms after farmers complained that gaps in the current system prevented many from receiving the approved 50% refund on the Special Consumption Tax.

Despite the government's call for dialogue, unions vowed to maintain the barricades until specific demands regarding tax-free fuel and faster compensation are met.