Clashes between farmers and police in Crete escalated during protests over EU subsidies. The incident involved the use of tear gas against protesters.
Clashes broke out between farmers and police on the Greek island of Crete on Monday during protests related to an investigation into European Union (EU) subsidies. The police used tear gas against the demonstrators, reports TASR based on a report by the AFP agency.
Public television ERT broadcast footage of dozens of people smashing police vehicles blocking the protestors’ path with stones and sticks. The clashes took place near Ioannis Daskalogiannis Chania International Airport.
Accusations by European prosecutors
Back in May, European prosecutors accused thousands of people of illegally applying for subsidies for land they did not own and of lying about the number of livestock on farms. As a result of the investigation, the payment of EU subsidies was delayed.
AFP reports that thousands of farmers have blocked highways in recent weeks, mainly in central and northern Greece, demanding faster access to subsidies. The government insists that farmers who did not cheat will not lose their money after the investigation.
Compensation for animal losses
Livestock farmers are also demanding compensation for the loss of more than 400,000 sheep and goats due to the spread of chickenpox. AFP explains that all the animals were killed to prevent the spread of the disease.
