Even a compromise offer from the federal government, which, among other things, maintained the exemption from motor vehicle tax for agricultural vehicles, could not satisfy the German farmers. A huge week of protests begins on Monday, which could partially bring traffic to our German neighbors to a standstill. In addition to farmers and representatives of the transport sector, many other sectors also want to participate in blockades of important routes and in rallies.
The first tractors have been ready since late Sunday afternoon in Berlin at the Brandenburg Gate and at highway entrances in several states. The blockades were also reportedly approved by police. The protest plan stipulates, among other things, that highways throughout Germany will be closed in parts. However, there must always be a clear path in between for critical professional groups such as clinical and nursing staff and doctors. After all, you want to safeguard the solidarity of large parts of the population. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the farmers’ association explains why it believes these measures have become necessary (see below).
After the right-wing populist AfD intensively mobilized its own supporters to participate in the protests, constitutional protection officials expressed concerns that the peasant movement could be infiltrated by right-wingers. The boss of the Federal Farmers’ Association, Joachim Rukwied, emphasized in an interview with “Bild”: “We don’t want right-wing and other radical groups at our demonstrations.”
Hunters support the struggle of farmers
In any case, a battle for sovereignty over the interpretation of the actions is already raging on social media, which are sometimes presented as a protest against the entire traffic light coalition. There are also countless expressions of solidarity on the internet from other industries and also from the hunting community. “All hunters are called upon to support the regionally organised, peaceful protests – against senseless agricultural and environmental policies,” said a post on Instagram (see below).
Police authorities across the country expect roadblocks and other actions involving tractors and other agricultural equipment. The Ministry of Economic Affairs of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern expects problems “on most highway entrances”. The East German state therefore suspended the Sunday driving ban for long-distance drivers. “To safeguard the supply of the population,” the authorities exceptionally allowed the long-distance transport of goods on Sundays.
Concerns about “endangering public safety”
The police union in Bavaria fears that the police are becoming overloaded and criticizes the farmers. “Many actions not only go far beyond the legal perspective, they also pose a traffic risk and a threat to public safety and order,” explains police unionist Thorsten Grimm. However, Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) expressed “understanding and solidarity” for the farmers’ protests. “The agricultural diesel refund and the tax exemption for agricultural vehicles should be fully maintained,” said a statement from the regional group CSU in the German Bundestag.
Railway strikes from Wednesday
The situation in Germany is being exacerbated by a strike by the drivers’ union starting on Wednesday. The strike should then last until Friday evening. Deutsche Bahn wants to take legal action against the strike as part of its currently raging collective bargaining dispute.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
