Hundreds of farmers drive their tractors into Prague to demonstrate against European Union policies
In recent weeks, farmers from various European countries have expressed their discontent with the EU’s Green Deal through street protests. On Monday, a multitude of tractors and agricultural vehicles gathered in Prague to voice opposition to what they perceive as unjust EU agricultural policies. The protesters aimed to deliver a letter outlining their demands to the Czech Republic Agriculture Ministry, causing disruptions to traffic in the process.
However, the rally faced criticism as some organizers were linked to recent pro-Russian demonstrations, leading major agricultural organizations to distance themselves from the event. Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny emphasized that many organizers lacked agricultural affiliations, suggesting that political motivations played a significant role in the protest. Vyborny expressed a preference for engaging in dialogue with genuine farmer representatives at the negotiation table rather than on the streets or squares.
The farmers argue that the EU’s Green Deal, outlining agricultural regulations for its 27 members, particularly burdens them financially. They claim that policies related to the environment and other issues raise the cost of their products, making them less competitive compared to non-EU imports. Various Czech farming groups, including the Agrarian Chamber, the Agricultural Union, and the Association of Private Agriculture, announced their participation in a joint protest against EU policies on Thursday. Plans involve symbolic convoys to the border, with farmers from other European countries, such as Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Croatia, joining the demonstration.
