German farmers’ protests against the government’s agricultural policies in Berlin are likely to continue into the coming week. According to Joachim Rukwied, chairman of the German farmers’ association, the actions will continue if the planned subsidy cuts for agricultural diesel are not withdrawn. A large meeting is planned in Berlin next Monday, Rukwied told ZDF on Wednesday. “Then we reserve the right to take further steps.”
The farmers insist that the planned cuts be completely reversed. The good income situation of many farmers in 2023 was an exception; A decline is already expected this year.
Government sticks to plans
Rukwied also said that he spoke briefly on Tuesday with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPF) and Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP). However, Scholz had previously emphasized that the government would stick to its austerity plans.
Farmers plan to expand their protests on Wednesday, which will continue throughout the week. Blockades had already caused significant traffic disruption in several parts of Germany on Monday.
Emergency services are at their limit
The German Police Association (GdP) now sees the emergency services reaching their limits. The actions across Germany were supported by many people, chairman Jochen Kopelke told the “Rheinische Post”. “That means that this large, massive wave of protests is not going to subside anytime soon.” Many emergency services have so far spoken about peaceful and orderly protests, Kopelke said. Rukwied also said he was satisfied with the progress so far. Earlier there were warnings that the demonstrations could be undermined by right-wing extremist groups.
The population understands the farmers’ protest
According to a survey by Forsa for ‘stern’, there is great support for the protest actions among the population. 81 percent of respondents said they understood the farmers. This was not the case for 18 percent. Support is greatest among AfD supporters: 98 percent. For CDU and CSU voters this was 79 percent, for FDP voters 80 percent, for SPD voters 70 percent and for the Greens 61 percent.
German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir sees the farmers’ protests as a harbinger of deep divisions in society. “People in rural areas feel like they are being abandoned. “They are afraid that they will be left out in a politics increasingly dominated by city dwellers,” the Green politician told the newspapers of the “Funke Mediengruppe”. “This is a dangerous divide that could lead to conditions like those in the US: people no longer talk to each other, they no longer believe each other and they accuse each other of all the evil in the world.” The goal should be to keep the country ‘in the middle to stay together’.
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.
