2024-01-15 08:45:50
The farmers’ protests against the planned end of diesel benefits for German agriculture are currently at their peak. On Monday around noon (11.30 a.m.) thousands of participants are expected at a large demonstration in Berlin. Speeches by representatives of professional associations are planned. German Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) is also scheduled to speak at the rally.
Farmers’ associations and the Federal Association of Road Haulage Logistics and Waste Management called for the large demonstration. Around 5,000 tractors and agricultural machinery from across Germany are expected to gather at the rally. In addition, around 10,000 people were registered. It is the climax of a week of action against the government plan. Protests were also announced in other places in Germany, such as Chemnitz, Freiburg and Bitburg.
Early in the morning, numerous participants set off on tractors towards downtown Berlin. Slogans such as “Empty tank – die mouse”, “No future without farmers” and “Transport made in Germany – how much longer?” could be read on vehicles. Other banners spoke of government failure, resistance to injustice, embezzlement, cronyism and warmongering.
However, the rally area on Straße des 17. Juni had already been closed on Sunday evening. Further arrivals would be directed to an alternative area at the Olympic Stadium. Severe traffic delays are expected throughout the city on Monday.
Minister Lindner dampened expectations in advance that the subsidy cuts would be completely eliminated. Green party leader Britta Haßelmann made similar comments.
The chairmen of the traffic light factions SPD, Greens and FDP have also invited the leaders of the agricultural associations to a discussion this Monday. The Bundestag’s approval of the 2024 federal budget and the planned cuts in agricultural diesel are still pending.
The German government wants to gradually abolish tax breaks for agricultural diesel. The government wants to forgo the originally planned abolition of the vehicle tax exemption for agriculture. However, the German Farmers’ Association is calling for the cuts to be completely reversed. “Promotion of agricultural diesel and vehicle tax exemption are essential for competitive agriculture,” it said.
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