Spanish Farmers Revolt in Madrid, Polish Farmers Block Highway to Germany
In a display of frustration and defiance, thousands of Spanish farmers took to the streets of Madrid on Sunday, accompanied by their tractors, while Polish farmers blocked a crucial highway leading to Germany.
The farmers, armed with dozens of tractors, rallied in Madrid to voice their opposition to the European Union’s agricultural policies, which they claim are detrimental to their livelihoods. Organizers estimated a turnout of 1,000 people, but the government reported only 450 farmers in attendance.
The protest kicked off at the Ministry of Ecology Transition and concluded outside the Agriculture Ministry headquarters, highlighting farmers’ grievances over excessive bureaucracy and stringent environmental regulations.
Carrying banners that read “No to 2030 agenda,” farmers expressed their discontent with the EU’s “Green Transition” policies, arguing that they put local produce at a competitive disadvantage against imports.
According to protesters, EU-mandated environmental protections not only hinder their ability to compete but also burden them with overwhelming paperwork that many small and medium-sized farms struggle to navigate.
Meanwhile, Polish farmers joined the fray by blocking a vital highway connecting Poland to Germany at the Swiecko crossing, disrupting the passage of the 17,000 trucks that traverse the route daily.
“The countryside is in turmoil, and we need measures that balance environmental conservation with the economic sustainability of farms,” remarked Spanish farmer Luis González to AP.
Despite some recent concessions from Spain and the European Commission, farmers remain unsatisfied, arguing that the proposed changes are inadequate to address their concerns.
On top of EU policies, Spanish farmers also lament the lack of enforcement of a law designed to ensure fair prices from major supermarket buyers, as consumer prices continue to soar. — Euronews
