(260109) -- THIVA, Jan. 9, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Farmers block a highway during a protest in Thiva, about 70 kilometers north of Athens, Greece, Jan. 8, 2026.

Greek farmers on Thursday expressed cautious optimism toward a renewed government invitation for talks with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as nationwide protests and road blockades entered a new phase.

TO GO WITH "Greek farmers open to dialogue as nationwide protests continue" (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)