Germany, farmers revolt over cuts to subsidies
The protests in German agriculture on January 8 are part of a wave of discontent affecting the whole of Europe. These movements, triggered by the reduction of subsidies to the German primary sector to meet budget constraints, have led farmers from all over the country to block roads causing serious disruptions to traffic. With 25 thousand tractors marching in Bade Wurtten-Berg, 19 thousand in Bavaria and a garrison of at least 300 tractors he blocked the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
The German Farmers' Union (DBV) is leading the mobilization in Berlin. There were three reasons for the revolt, in addition toabolition of subsidies for agricultural dieselcontinues exemption from the tax on agricultural and forestry vehicles foreseen by the German government elincrease in fuel prices.
“We have sent the first signal with a large demonstration in Berlin, scheduled at very short notice – declared the president of the German Farmers' Association, Joachim Rukwied. – If these proposals are not withdrawn, the protests will continue and expand into January. We receive great encouragement and support from the population and other sectors, which encourages us even more to maintain our resistance. We are very grateful for this great support from the population.”
The protests continue and are scheduled to last until January 15th. This scenario could repeat itself in the coming days, threatening to cause a significant economic impact and calling into question the effectiveness of government policies. Last week, the government attempted a compromise, announcing the gradual elimination of subsidies for agricultural diesel by 2026, but this did not calm the agitation of farmers, supported by the centre-right opposition. The economic situation is further complicated by the imminent railway strike scheduled for January 10 and by concerns regarding possible infiltration of right-wing extremists in agricultural demonstrations, with the appearance of flags of nationalist and xenophobic political groups.
This discontent is also reflected in France, where protests have included roadblocks and acts of vandalism. In the Netherlands and Belgium, the demonstrations concerned the introduction of higher financial charges for the use of nitrogen fertilizers and livestock waste. In Holland, agricultural dissent even led to the birth of a new political party, Boer Burger Beweging. In ItalyHowever, so far there have been no significant protests, but there is growing interest in the actions of our European colleagues.
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