Demonstrations - Özdemir expresses understanding for farmers' "huge anger"
Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir has expressed his understanding for the displeasure caused by the planned abolition of tax breaks for agriculture. "I know that you have come here to Berlin in a huge rage," said the Green politician at a farmers' association rally at the Brandenburg Gate today.
It was clear that more savings had to be made following the Federal Constitutional Court's budget ruling - but not disproportionately in agriculture. "I don't believe in cuts on this scale," Özdemir emphasized. "That's why I'm fighting in the cabinet to ensure that it doesn't happen to this extent."
Özdemir's speech at the rally was interrupted several times by whistles and shouts. Farmers' President Joachim Rukwied called on the demonstrators to show respect and asked them to listen to the minister. Özdemir spoke out against derogatory remarks.
On ARD's "Morgenmagazin", the Green politician once again criticized a combination of the savings plans for agricultural diesel and vehicle tax exemptions. Other countries in the EU have agricultural diesel subsidies. "This leads to a deterioration in the competitive conditions for German farmers, almost in one fell swoop." There are no alternatives for farmers when it comes to agricultural diesel. "We're talking about heavy machinery that can't simply be converted to electric." Farmers should not be overburdened, said Özdemir. He had made alternative savings proposals to Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP).
Criticism also from the CDU/CSU
The CDU/CSU once again criticized the plans, which are based on an agreement between the coalition leaders on savings in the 2024 budget. CSU General Secretary Martin Huber told the German Press Agency: "Without any consideration, the federal government is putting German farmers in dire straits." This ignorance and arrogance are intolerable. CDU agricultural expert Albert Stegemann said that both austerity measures directly affected farmers and weakened rural areas. Özdemir must fully support the farmers, he said.
Background to the rally
Farmers are mobilizing in Berlin to protest against the planned abolition of tax breaks by the federal government. Under the slogan "Too much is too much", a rally is being held at the Brandenburg Gate. Farmers' President Joachim Rukwied told the German Press Agency that this was intended to send a "first clear signal to the traffic light coalition". The plans for agricultural diesel and vehicle tax exemptions must be completely withdrawn. "If not, there will be massive resistance from January. We will not put up with this."
The farmers' association had also called for the demonstration nationwide via its state farmers' associations. Around 3,000 people were registered with the police for the demonstration. Several hundred tractors were also expected to arrive for the protest. In the morning, the first vehicles had already gathered on Straße des 17. Juni near the Brandenburg Gate, according to the traffic information center.
Farmers' association: cuts cost industry almost a billion
According to the association, the two cuts would deprive the industry of almost one billion euros. Up to now, farms have been able to claim a partial refund of the energy tax on diesel. The refund amounts to 21.48 cents per liter - the tax rate for agricultural diesel is then 25.56 cents per liter compared to the full tax rate of 47.04 cents. Companies must submit applications for refunds to the customs administration. In addition, agricultural and forestry vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax.
The environmental organization Greenpeace explained that the elimination of the subsidy for agricultural diesel is bearable in view of record agricultural and food prices and many other agricultural subsidies. "With all due sympathy for the farmers - making agricultural diesel cheaper by the state is expensive, harmful to the climate and should be abolished," said Greenpeace agricultural expert Martin Hofstetter. Contrary to what the farmers' association claims, the end of diesel subsidies will not result in a massive loss of farms.
Farm profits have increased
According to industry figures, the earnings situation in agriculture has recently improved. In the 2022/23 financial year, which ended in June, the average profit of farms rose to a record level of 115,400 euros - an increase of 45% compared to the previous year. However, in view of falling prices for grain, oilseeds and milk, the farmers' association had already expressed pessimism about future business prospects before the traffic light plans were announced.
A large demonstration with thousands of farmers from all over Germany and a long convoy of tractors also took place in front of the Brandenburg Gate at the end of 2019. At that time, farmers took part in nationwide campaigns to demand a greater say in new environmental and animal welfare regulations and more appreciation for their industry.
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- The planned abolition of vehicle tax exemptions for agricultural diesel is a contentious issue among German farmers, sparking protests and rallies, such as the one held recently at the Brandenburg Gate.
- Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir understands the "huge anger" from farmers due to the proposed deletion of tax relief for the agricultural sector in Germany.
- Farmers' President Joachim Rukwied appealed for respect at the rally, asking demonstrators to listen to Özdemir despite interruptions and derogatory remarks.
- The German Press Agency reported criticisms from both the CDU/CSU and Green politician Cem Özdemir, who proposed alternative savings proposals to Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP).
- The controversy surrounds the potential impact on German farmers' competitiveness, as other EU countries offer subsidies for agricultural diesel, leading to an uneven playing field.
- European Union regulations and the abolition of vehicle tax exemptions for agricultural diesel could cost the German farming industry almost one billion euros, according to estimates.
- Anti-government protesters, led by farmers, gathered at the Brandenburg Gate, sending a "first clear signal to the traffic light coalition," demanding a reversal of the controversial plans.
- Agriculture Minister Özdemir highlighted the significance of agricultural diesel for heavy machinery, implying that farmers could be negatively affected by any changes to the subsidy system.
- Environmental organization Greenpeace opposed the agricultural diesel subsidy, citing its negative impact on the climate and suggesting that record agricultural and food prices would offset any potential losses for farmers.
- The farmers' association called for a nationwide demonstration, rallying thousands of farmers to Berlin and hundreds of tractors for the protests against the planned elimination of tax breaks for agriculture.
- In his 'advent message,' Joachim Rukwied, the head of the German farmers' association, vowed that farmers would not back down, promising "massive resistance from January" if the government did not withdraw its plans from the 2024 budget agreement.
Source: www.stern.de
