Rukwied emphasized the legality of the protests: “Our demonstrations have been registered and we are making use of our fundamental right to convey to society and politicians that Germany needs competitive agriculture.” This is the only way to ensure the supply of “high-quality, local food”. The week of action should make it clear that “we will not accept the planned tax increases for agriculture,” said Rukwied. “These have to be taken off the table. We’re sticking with it.”
Farmers, long-distance drivers and other professional groups are starting their joint nationwide week of protest against the politics of the traffic light coalition on Monday. There are fears of increasing radicalization and infiltration of the protests by extremist groups.
Farmers’ anger was sparked by planned cuts in subsidies for the industry in the wake of the budget crisis. However, the federal government has now largely cashed in on the plans. The preferential treatment of motor vehicle tax for forestry and agriculture is to be retained, unlike initially planned; The abolition of the tax relief for agricultural diesel should not take place until 2026. This year it will initially be reduced by 40 percent.
