We investigate the two-dimensional q=3 and 4 Potts models with a variable interaction range by means of Monte Carlo simulations. We locate the phase transitions for several interaction ranges as expressed by the number z of equivalent neighbors. For not-too-large z, the transitions fit well in the universality classes of the short-range Potts models. However, at longer ranges, the transitions become discontinuous. For q=3 we locate a tricritical point separating the continuous and discontinuous transitions near z=80, and a critical fixed point between z=8 and 12. For q=4 the transition becomes discontinuous for z>16. The scaling behavior of the q=4 model with z=16 approximates that of the q=4 merged critical-tricritical fixed point predicted by the renormalization scenario.