Farmers in several European countries have launched protest movements, without coordinating for the moment.
In Romania, farmers and truckers have been mobilized for a week and a half. Their movement began with denunciation of the increasing cost of insurance for heavy machinery, but more generally they are calling for lower taxes and fairer subsidies.
Discussions with the government began a few days ago but failed.
A movement that lasts in Germany
In Germany too, farmers are protesting against the planned end of certain diesel subsidies, announced by the government. They also denounce administrative procedures that are too cumbersome.
On Saturday, they demonstrated in Berlin with environmental activists, under a banner called “we’re fed up”.
Farmers say they support environmentally friendly agriculture but that they need fair prices for this. The demonstrators presented their demands to the Minister of Agriculture, Cem Ozdemir.
Motorway blockages in the South-West of France
The French government is also concerned by the demands of farmers, which are close to those of the Germans. The new Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, heard their requests during a trip to the Rhône department on Saturday.
Some farmers are taking actions to block highways, especially in the southwest of the country.
According to them, ecological transition policies make national products more expensive and therefore less competitive. These standards are denounced to the extent that they do not concern imported products.