Subsidy snarls: Protests grip German agriculture
German farmers roared their engines and blocked major highways across the country on Monday, escalating their months-long protest against planned agricultural subsidy cuts.
From Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate to the French border, convoys of tractors choked traffic, demanding the government retract its proposed austerity measures.
"They're confiscating the future of agriculture," declared Joachim Rukwied, head of the Farmers' Association, amidst the rumble of engines. "We're jeopardising the secure supply of local food."
The German government's plan includes phasing out diesel discounts and tax breaks for farmers, aiming to save €480 million annually. While Berlin recently softened its stance, proposing a slower phase-out, it wasn't enough to pacify farmers already struggling with rising costs.
In Munich, thousands of tractors snaked through the city centre, while Brandenburg towns reported being completely blocked. The border crossing with France at Rastatt-Wintersdorf was also brought to a standstill.
Beyond immediate concerns, the protest reflects deeper anxieties about agriculture's future. Farm unions fear the cuts will drive up production costs, threatening their already tight margins and potentially impacting food security.
"We're counting on Berlin to show reason," Rukwied added. "These protests are about protecting the backbone of Germany's food supply."
The government, however, maintains its position. Economy Minister Robert Habeck argues that the cuts are necessary for fiscal responsibility and points to alternative support measures for the agricultural sector.
With no immediate end in sight, the dispute promises to rumble on, echoing through the German countryside and reverberating into the halls of power.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
