Greek Embattled Minister Sides with Bulgaria, Slams Border Blockades

Greek farmers managed to temporary close the E-79 road between Bulgaria and Greece, but lifted the blockade on Tuesday following the Greek police intervention. File photo by BGNES

Amidst calls for his resignation, the Greek citizens protection minister has backed Bulgaria's calls to ban border blockades and ensure the safe movement of people and goods.

"We can not afford to let farmers break the European convention for the free movement of people and goods by blocking the border with Bulgaria," Christos Papoutsis said in parliament, adding that the government is determined to make sure all border checkpoints are open.

The opposition however demanded that he step down, citing the ban on the gathering of people and agriculture equipment, which the head of the police at Serres initiated, spelling the end of the blockade.

Greek farmers managed to temporary close the E-79 road between Bulgaria and Greece, but lifted the blockade on Tuesday following the Greek police intervention. Six of the organizers have been arrested Tuesday morning and will face the court.

Last year, Bulgarian businesses reported a total of BGN 15.3 M in losses from the February border blockade by Greek farmers.

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