According to a survey, German farmers affected numerous people in the country with their blockades, rallies and tractor parades on Monday. In a survey by the Yougov Institute, almost one in five respondents (19 percent) stated that they had been “affected in terms of traffic by the farmers’ protests” on January 8th. It was not asked to what extent and to what extent people were affected – for example, whether they were stuck in traffic jams and for how long, whether they took detours or worked at home instead of in the office.
The farmers’ nationwide protests are met with understanding by many people. In the survey, 45 percent said they believed the actions were fully justified. Another 27 percent see the protests as “somewhat justified.” The approval is therefore highest in the older age groups. On the other hand, according to the survey, around one in five respondents believes that the protests are not justified or not justified at all.
Farmers’ association wants the cuts to be completely reversed
The protests are part of a week of action until January 15th. Farmers are thus opposing the federal government’s planned subsidy cuts. The tax relief on agricultural diesel will then be gradually abolished. The fact that the traffic light coalition has withdrawn part of its cuts plans is not enough for the Federal Farmers’ Association.
“With this lazy compromise, the federal government won’t get any tractors off the road,” said farmers’ president Joachim Rukwied on ZDF’s “Morgenmagazin”. He was satisfied with the actions so far: “The protests went well, went well, we kept the emergency lanes clear.” The farmers reserved the right to take further action after January 15th. Rukwied assured that the demonstrations were not directed against the population.
Wüst is calling for an agricultural alliance from the federal government
In view of the ongoing farmers’ protests, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst is proposing a committee similar to the Coal Commission. It is time for a “broad agricultural alliance” and a “social contract for domestic agriculture,” said the CDU politician to the “Rheinische Post”.
“From the center of society, the Agrarian Alliance can both ensure peace and show opportunities for local agriculture.” The federal government should convene a commission with all relevant stakeholders on the future of agriculture.
“The death of farms is real”
From the point of view of the NRW head of government, representatives from agriculture, politics, retail, environmental and animal protection associations, trade unions and science should come together under the coordination of the federal government. Agriculture must remain strong, but many businesses have already given up. “The death of farms is real.” The traffic light coalition had “simply slammed an entire profession” with its decisions, criticized Wüst.
