Farmers protest against "traffic light" austerity plans - Özdemir: "I will fight"
Minister Özdemir reiterated his criticism of the traffic light decisions at the rally at the Brandenburg Gate. "I am fighting in the cabinet to ensure that this does not come to pass in such harshness," he said. The burdens on the sector were already very high and existential fears were spreading, said the Minister of Agriculture.
Özdemir was repeatedly interrupted by loud whistles, boos and the ringing of cowbells from the demonstrators, who repeatedly chanted for new elections. Farmers' president Rukwied called on the traffic light coalition to change its policies. If this did not happen, it would be time for a change of government. He accused Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) of "breaking his word" in view of promises that there would be no tax increases.
The planned removal of subsidies and vehicle tax exemptions for agricultural and forestry machinery are part of the federal government 's budget consolidation following the ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court. The German Farmers' Association had called for the demonstration at short notice. President Rukwied threatened further protests throughout the country should the government implement its plans. If the decisions were not withdrawn, the farmers would ensure that there would be a "hot January".
The first demonstrators had already arrived in Berlin with their tractors on Sunday evening, others followed during the night and on Monday morning. According to the police, up to 6600 people took part at peak times - up to 1700 tractors were parked on Straße des 17. The farmers' association spoke of 3000 tractors and 8000 to 10,000 participants.
Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said that the savings and cuts in various areas - including agriculture - were "painful". He could therefore understand the farmers' protest. However, it was a trade-off. If less money can be spent, this always affects certain groups, said Hebestreit.
The environmental protection organization Greenpeace supports the "traffic light" plans. Reducing the price of agricultural diesel by the state is expensive, harmful to the climate and should be abolished, said agricultural expert Martin Hofstetter. "In view of the billions in subsidies for agriculture, the planned abolition of the diesel subsidy is perfectly acceptable."
The CDU, on the other hand, sided with the demonstrators. "The farmers' anger is absolutely understandable," said General Secretary Carsten Linnemann in the Rheinische Post newspaper. The treatment of farmers by the "traffic light" government was "disrespectful". If the cuts to agricultural diesel were to go ahead, more farms would face "the final end", said Linnemann and demanded: "They must be withdrawn."
Read also:
- This will change in December
- Attacks on ships in the Red Sea: shipping companies avoid important trade route
- German activists speak out in Dubai on suffering in Israel and the Gaza Strip
- Despite UN vote: fighting between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip continues
- Cem Özdemir, the Minister of Agriculture, expressed his opposition to the traffic light coalition's austerity plans during the farmers' protest at the Brandenburg Gate.
- Özdemir stressed that he was advocating within the cabinet to prevent the implementation of these plans with such harsh consequences for the farmers.
- Joachim Rukwied, the president of the Farmers, urged the coalition to change its policies due to the existing high burdens and existential fears within the sector.
- Rukwied warned of a potential change of government if the traffic light coalition did not alter its course, accusing Finance Minister Christian Lindner of breaking his promises concerning tax increases.
- The removal of subsidies and vehicle tax exemptions for agricultural and forestry machinery is part of the federal government's budget consolidation efforts following the Federal Constitutional Court's ruling.
- Özdemir was repeatedly interrupted by demonstrators with whistles, boos, and cowbells, while farmers expressed their desire for new elections.
- The tractors of the first farmers began arriving in Berlin on Sunday evening, with more demonstrators joining in during the night and on Monday morning.
- According to official estimates, up to 6600 people participated in the protests at peak times, while the farmers' association reported 3000 tractors and between 8000 to 10,000 participants.
- Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit acknowledged the farmers' pain and acknowledged that the cuts in various sectors, including agriculture, would be "painful."
- The CDU, Germany's conservative party, supported the farmers in their protest, criticizing the "disrespectful" treatment of farmers by the "traffic light" government and demanding the withdrawal of the cuts to agricultural diesel.
- Greenpeace supports the austerity plans of the "traffic light" coalition, arguing that reducing the price of agricultural diesel is costly, harmful to the climate, and an acceptable measure considering the billions in agriculture subsidies.
- The FDP, Germany's liberal party, is part of the "traffic light" coalition and is represented by Christian Lindner, who is facing criticism from the farmers for breaking his promises regarding tax increases.
- The farmers' demonstrations in Berlin reflect the national conversation about budget consolidation and the impact of the "traffic light" coalition's austerity plans on various sectors, including agriculture.
Source: www.stern.de
