Farmers protest against "traffic light" austerity plans

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 If the decisions were not withdrawn, the farmers would ensure that there would be a "hot January".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."