Tatiana Geiselmann
Thousands of tractors paralyze German streets. For ten days, the agricultural world has wanted to maintain pressure on the government. But in this angry crowd, there are now also artisans and traders. Enough to make those in power fear a movement similar to that experienced in France with the yellow vests. The special correspondent from Europe 1 went to Kiel.
It is an anger that has been building for almost ten days in Germany. That of farmers is up in arms against the announced removal of a tax advantage on fuel for their agricultural machinery. According to a survey published across the Rhine, seven out of ten Germans support this revolt movement, now joined by artisans and traders. The special correspondent from Europe 1 went to Kiel to meet them.
“It concerns the entire population”
Tenedina, sales representative in a transport company, is one of the supporters of this movement. “I find it good that they at least dared to demonstrate. They should not be the only ones in the street, it concerns the entire population. In the area of transport for example, there are lots of problems. We need more “money from the State”, she says.
An opinion shared by Yann, who works as a handler in a transport company. He even came last week on his day off to join the farmers, united around a roundabout in Kiel. “It’s not just the farmers who are on strike. There are also truck drivers, workers, logistics workers, doctors… Everyone in Germany is pissed.”
“Money is missing”
The reason ? Inflation and the disintegration of public services, according to Marina. “When we go shopping or stock up, we can see that money is lacking. And then the hospitals close, the trains are not on time… It’s a whole thing,” she explains before to continue: “Nothing goes perfectly.”
Like many Germans, this medical secretary wants the resignation of Olaf Scholz’s coalition government.