Farmers in Germany took to the streets, blocking roads with tractors and trucks in protest against the government’s decision to cut tax breaks for agriculture. The demonstrations, marked by convoys and banners, caused significant traffic disruptions, including at border crossings with France, during the morning rush hour.
In the heart of Berlin, dozens of tractors and lorries gathered at the Brandenburg Gate, signaling the commencement of a planned week-long protest. Farmers expressed their discontent with the government’s plan to end two tax breaks, which they argue could force them out of business.
Farmers claim that the burden of budget cuts, necessitated by a court ruling in November, has disproportionately fallen on them. The government, in response to the ongoing protests, made unexpected changes to the budget, modifying plans to cut subsidies for agriculture.
Following the farmers’ protests, the German Chancellor-led coalition government altered its budget, reducing the subsidy on agricultural diesel by 40% this year, 30% in 2025, and discontinuing it from 2026. The government spokesperson emphasized that no further changes are being considered.
As Germany braces for more protests in the coming week, railway workers are set to launch a three-day strike on Wednesday, seeking a pay rise to counteract months of high inflation. Industrial actions have become increasingly common in various sectors across Germany, including metallurgy, transport, and education.
