Greek farmers block highways to protest reforms

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Athens • Greek farmers have begun temporary road closures, using their tractors to block major highways for a few hours at a time to protest drastic new income cuts under planned pension reforms by the radical left-led government.

Hundreds of tractors have been parked along highways across the country in preparation for the road closures. Farmers have warned they will extend the closures unless their demands for a repeal of the reforms are met.

The reforms, drawn up by the government following demands from Greece's bailout lenders as part of the country's third international bailout, have met with broad opposition, including from farmers, lawyers, seamen and fishermen.