Protesting farmers to block highway in western Greece

Farmers in western Greece are planning to block traffic on the highway between Antirrio and Ioannina, intensifying nationwide protests against austerity measures demanded by bailout lenders.

Protest organizers said a tractor blockade on the highway would be in effect after 2 p.m. on Wednesday unless the government withdrew proposals for tax hikes and an overhaul of the pension system.

On Friday, farmers from across Greece are planning to travel to the capital, with plans to stage a three-day protest outside Parliament. The left-led coalition appears to be expecting the traffic police to step in to prevent the tractors reaching the capital.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is expected to extend another invitation to farmers to discuss their grievances with the government. They have so far rejected calls for negotiations.