Greek Farmers Block Key Port, Dump Hay at Government Offices

Greek farmers have escalated their protests by blocking the main port of Thessaloniki. They are angry over delayed financial aid from the state. The farmers used tractors and bales of hay to seal the port's entrances. This halted all commercial activity at Greece's second-largest port. The action is part of wider, nationwide protests. In a symbolic move, farmers also left bales of hay at the entrances to lawmakers' offices in several cities. This act highlights their demand for faster payment of EU subsidies. The subsidies are meant to offset high production costs. The government says the aid is coming but has been slowed by bureaucracy. Farmers say the delays are crippling their businesses. They vow to continue protests until the money is received.