in Berlin, thousands of tractors and farmers angry at the drop in public aid

A giant mobilization of German farmers is planned in Berlin on Monday January 15. For a week, hundreds have been demonstrating against the announced end of several subsidies and tax breaks.

Monday January 15 is announced as the peak of the angry movement of German farmers. For a week, several thousand have been blocking city centers and highways to protest against the announced end of several subsidies and tax breaks. Condemned to make up for a deficit of several billions in its budget, the government explains that it has no other choice. At least 5,000 tractors are expected in Berlin on Monday. They will join those who have already been “camping” for a week in the German capital.

Faces are tired after several nights spent by some in their tractor and the freezing cold of winter in Germany. But the determination is still there, Tim parked his tractor 200 meters from the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. On the banner hanging out front, he wrote “Free Farmers.” “We are angry because we risk losing our jobs. The politicians don’t know what they are doing, they are going to destroy German agriculture. They have to pull themselves together. If it continues like this, everything will be imported. I will stay here as long as it takes, no matter how long it lasts.”he said.

“If nothing changes, for many it’s the end.”

Tobias Leppin, leader of the Berlin movement

at franceinfo

Faced with protests, the government softened its plans. The tax advantage on agricultural diesel will be phased out gradually and not all at once, as initially planned. Insufficient for Tobias Leppin, who took the lead of the Berlin movement. “Why always attack farmers? Why should we pay more taxes? We are the only ones who cannot impose our prices so we cannot compensate”he laments.

A movement supported by seven out of ten Germans

To hold on, the head of the DBV farmers’ union asked for the support of the population. The message has been heard, seven out of ten Germans support the movement. Like Jan, who traveled 150 km to bring coffee to the demonstrators. “They [les politiciens] have made a lot of mistakes: with the energy law, the real estate market, the health system are in agony and now they are attacking farmers. We have to show that it can’t go on like this.”he is indignant.

“Politicians are out of touch with the people.”

Jan, a German who supports the farmers’ movement

at franceinfo

The budgetary austerity plan to which the government is forced is going down badly among the population and the demonstrators. Nick, a 28-year-old truck driver, who joined the farmers’ procession, is surprised by the choices of the ruling coalition. “We spend billions on random projects abroad that don’t interest us. I’ll give you a small example: Germany subsidized the construction of a cycle path in Peru. Why? What is the goal? “We’re paying another three billion to the war even though we no longer have any money. It’s not possible! The money should first be used for the country and then we see if we can take care of other projects.”believes Nick.

The Minister of Finance promised to meet the demonstrators on Monday. The reception promises to be stormy, last week the minister judged the farmers’ blockade to be disproportionate.