“There will be traffic jams”
Farmers’ President asks citizens for understanding
January 8, 2024, 12:58 a.m
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While Interior Minister Faeser shows no sympathy for the farmers’ protests announced from Monday, Farmers’ President Rukwied is appealing to citizens for leniency. The blockades were intended to show the government that farmers did not accept the tax increases.
At the start of the week of action by German farmers against the planned reduction in subsidies, the President of the German Farmers’ Association, Joachim Rukwied, asks for leniency for possible disruptions. “We ask the population for understanding. We don’t want to lose the great support and solidarity that we receive from large parts of society,” Rukwied told the magazine “Stern”. “If we travel with tractors, there will inevitably be traffic delays.”
The state and district associations have registered more than 100 campaigns in all federal states. “Our demonstrations have been registered and we are making use of our fundamental right to convey to society and politicians that Germany needs competitive agriculture. This is the only way to ensure the supply of high-quality, local food.”
The farmers’ association wants to continue the protests, even if the traffic light government has partially withdrawn the cuts plans. “The proposals would result in even more businesses giving up,” Rukwied told the magazine. The week of action should make it clear that they will not accept the planned tax increases for agriculture. “They have to be off the table. We’re sticking to that.”
Faeser: Blockages cause anger
The farmers’ association has announced large protests starting on Monday, which are likely to lead to traffic disruptions in various parts of Germany. According to insiders, the traffic light government had previously initiated the gradual reduction of subsidies for agricultural diesel.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser sharply criticized the planned traffic blockades. “Blockades don’t solve any problems. Anyone who blocks other people in everyday life who have to rush to work, school or the doctor is, first and foremost, causing anger and incomprehension,” the SPD politician told the “Rheinische Post”. “That’s why the same applies here: the end does not justify the means. Legitimate protest ends where others’ rights are violated,” explained Faeser.