Despite protests, Greek PM says reforms 'not optional'

February 10, 2016 at 7:17 a.m. | Updated February 10, 2016 at 7:30 a.m.

by Associated Press

A farmer walks by a line of tractors parked in protest at a vital point, on a road that links the international airport with the southern and eastern suburbs of the Greek capital, in Koropi, near Athens, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016. Farmers in northern Greece have blocked traffic on the country's main highway, intensifying nationwide protests against austerity measures demanded by bailout lenders. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A farmer walks by a line of tractors parked in protest at a vital point, on a road that links the international airport with the southern and eastern suburbs of the Greek capital, in Koropi, near Athens, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016. Farmers in northern Greece have blocked traffic on the country's main highway, intensifying nationwide protests against austerity measures demanded by bailout lenders. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Protesting farmers says they're planning to camp outside parliament and hold a 48-hour protest against planned pension reforms.

Farmers from around 70 highway and road blockades around the country are planning to bring their protest to Athens on Friday and Saturday, in a confrontation with the leftwing government, which is struggling to implement austerity measures demanded by bailout lenders.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Wednesday rejected demands to scrap the planned pension system overhaul and start a full round of negotiations with professional groups and opposition parties.

He told a Cabinet meeting: "It is clear that this reform is not optional."

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