German farmers begin nationwide protests on Monday against proposed subsidy cuts, causing significant disruptions.
Thousands of German farmers blocked major roads with tractors in nearly all 16 federal states. Some clashes with police were reported.
The protests present a challenge for Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition, which is already grappling with budgetary issues and the rise the political right and record low support.
The protests have forced Scholz’s government into a difficult position after a constitutional court ruling in November up-ended their spending plans.
Incredible footage from the Farmers’ protests as they block highways and shut down cities across Germany with the help of the truckers.
The people have spoken!!
— Kat A 🌸 (@SaiKate108) January 8, 2024
Farmers are protesting the government’s decision to phase out a tax break on agricultural diesel, which is part of the government’s effort to comply with the constitutional court ruling and finalize the 2024 budget. This change could cost individual farmers significantly, as exemplified by Bavarian farmer Ralf Huber, who told media he expects a loss of about 10,000 euros if the measures are implemented.
Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck expressed concern that the protests, while legitimate, could be exploited by extremist groups.
The right-leaning Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has thrown its support behind the farmers, seeing it as further evidence of public dissatisfaction with the current leadership. The AfD’s support could see the party make big gains in upcoming state elections.
Protests last week have already influenced the government’s actions, leading to unexpected changes in the budget, but farmers argue the changes are insufficient.
Hermann Blinkert from the German Institute for New Social Answers (INSA) noted the government’s dilemma: appearing weak if they completely backtrack on subsidy cuts, but also risking prolonged disputes if they don’t. He also mentioned the eroding public trust in the government, with only one-third of voters currently supporting the governing parties.
1000’s of farmers descend on Berlin demanding a new government. High taxes and soaring energy prices are running them out of business. #berlin #farmers pic.twitter.com/mru10dCfcs
— Clayton Morris (@ClaytonMorris) January 8, 2024
The protests add to the challenges of a coalition already strained by differing priorities among its members – the ‘climate-cult’ Greens, the pro-business Free Democrats, and the centre-left Social Democrats. The coalition is trying to navigate these internal conflicts amidst a recession.
The AfD leads recent polls, with 23% support, ahead of Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) and its coalition partners.
The protests are set to continue all week, and in a further headache for the government rail workers are set to launch a three-day strike on Wednesday as unions seek a pay rise to compensate for months of high inflation.
A poll conducted by the public broadcaster NTV found the majority of the public backs the protest with 91 percent of respondents saying the farmers are justified in their action.
Holy shít. German farmers and truckers are fed up and are now united against their government. This is Berlin right now:
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) January 8, 2024
“WE ARE FED UP”
Thousands of German farmers have arrived in Berlin to protest against planned fuel tax increases.
Do you support the farmers? 🚜pic.twitter.com/m2P6QcpUfh
— PeterSweden (@PeterSweden7) January 7, 2024
EU taxpayer money is used to pay criminals such as pfizer or zelensky and his gang of warmongers nazis and oil from the USA ( our ” friend” and ” ally”) who sabotage nord stream and so who is at the same time destroying europe and its economy. unemployment next .
Could it be so that now food shortages and famines are being organized ??
Thank you to the farmers and the truckers.
Politicians have become such despictable people in western societies
War Room: The Dutch Government Is Demonizing The Farmers
https://michaelyon.com/media-appearances/war-room-dutch-govt-demonizing-farmers/
Yon pulls out a red handkerchief in one program which is a symbol of Dutch Farmers resistance to tyranny
And the WEF Agenda to drive Farmers off the Land through the Green climate control global warming Agenda
The same Agenda Ardern and the Labour cabal were proteges and protectorates of
And charged with the responsibility of implementing in lockstep in NZ
Included in Netherlands is one of three earmarked to be included in smart (Slave) cities
2024: this smart city is eco-friendly and convenient 😊
2025: why would you want to leave?! 😠
2026: you haven’t been authorised for travel from this quadrant 🔫👮♂️