Farmers wave a Greek flag during an anti-government rally in front of the parliament in Athens, on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. Farmers from across Greece gather in Athens for a two-day protest against the government and its plans to impose new tax hikes and pension charges. Bailout lenders are demanding that Greece scrap tax breaks for farmers and impose pension reforms that will lead to higher monthly contributions from the self employed and salaried employees. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
The Associated Press
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Greek farmers protesting planned tax hikes and pension changes have left a central Athens square where they had been camped out since Friday but are vowing to keep protesting until the government listens.
The farmers, who had set up 68 blockades with tractors and agricultural vehicles on highways across Greece, will convene Monday to decide how to proceed, farmers' representative Vangelis Boutas said. He said they also want measures to lower production costs, such as tax-free diesel, cheaper electricity and no VAT on supplies.
Earlier Saturday, police estimated that 12,000 protesters marched to Athens' Syntagma Square outside Parliament to support the farmers. The march was called by unions allied with Greece's Communist Party.
Police also arrested a 30-year-old for attacking a patrol car during Friday's clashes between farmers and police.ˆ
Farmers take part in an anti-government rally in front of the parliament in Athens, on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. Farmers from across Greece gather in Athens for a two-day protest against the government and its plans to impose new tax hikes and pension charges. Bailout lenders are demanding that Greece scrap tax breaks for farmers and impose pension reforms that will lead to higher monthly contributions from the self employed and salaried employees. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
The Associated Press
Farmers take part in an anti-government rally in front of the parliament in Athens, on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. Farmers from across Greece gather in Athens for a two-day protest against the government and its plans to impose new tax hikes and pension charges. Bailout lenders are demanding that Greece scrap tax breaks for farmers and impose pension reforms that will lead to higher monthly contributions from the self employed and salaried employees. (AP Photo/ Yorgos Karahalis)
The Associated Press
Supporters of the communist-affiliated union PAME shout slogans during an anti-government rally in front of the parliament in Athens, on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. Protesters joined farmers from across Greece who gather in Athens for a two-day protest against the government and its plans to impose new tax hikes and pension charges. Bailout lenders are demanding that Greece scrap tax breaks for farmers and impose pension reforms that will lead to higher monthly contributions from the self employed and salaried employees. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
The Associated Press
A flag depicting a tractor flies in front of protesters who take part in an anti-government rally in front of the parliament in Athens, on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. Farmers from across Greece gather in Athens for a two-day protest against the government and its plans to impose new tax hikes and pension charges. Bailout lenders are demanding that Greece scrap tax breaks for farmers and impose pension reforms that will lead to higher monthly contributions from the self employed and salaried employees. (AP Photo/ Yorgos Karahalis)
The Associated Press