Greek farmers gunning engines for nationwide protests, blockades

Farmers angered by hikes in taxes, gas prices and social security contributions warmed up their engines on Monday for nationwide action.

The protest action, which unions have vowed will be forceful and prolonged, started with a strong statement as dozens of tractors and pick-up trucks blocked off a section of the Patra-Corinth national highway near Aigio in the northern Peloponnese and farmers took to the streets in Zakynthos, Hania, Veria and parts of Central Greece.

In Veria in northern Greece, farmers held a motorcade in the center and parked their vehicles for a rally in front of city hall, before heading off to a key junction in Kouloura to start a blockade. Their protest was joined by taxi drivers, accountants and other disgruntled professionals.

"Today Veria is bringing down the shutters, as all the agencies and people in the primary sector protest the...