Greek open-air market vendors launch nationwide strike over tax burden

Athens [Greece], January 8: Vendors operating at Greek open-air farmers' markets nationwide launched an indefinite strike on Wednesday, staging a protest outside the Ministry of Finance in central Athens to oppose what they described as excessive taxation.
In statements issued by their associations, the vendors said heavy tax burdens imposed at every stage of the distribution chain have significantly driven up prices at open-air markets, placing additional strain on consumers who are already cutting back on spending amid ongoing economic pressures.
They warned that mounting costs have pushed thousands of professionals in the sector to the brink of financial collapse, calling for immediate tax reductions to enable them to remain operational and continue supplying affordable produce to the public.
"Today we are here for one reason: to be able to sell high-quality products at low prices in farmers' markets and to live with dignity," Constantinos Spirlas, a representative of vendors at an Athens farmers' market, told Xinhua.
According to official statistics, vendors work between 150 and 180 days a year but are taxed as if they operate for 350 days, said Vaso, a market vendor. "We are all drowning in debt. This inevitably affects consumers as well, which is why they are standing by our side," she added.
During the demonstration, vendors also expressed solidarity with Greek farmers and livestock breeders, who have been holding protests nationwide for several weeks. Those groups are similarly demanding lower taxation and adequate state compensation for losses caused by livestock diseases and extreme weather conditions.
Source: Xinhua News Agency