– Around 30,000 farmers protested in Berlin over rising costs and the government’s decision to phase out agricultural fuel subsidies.
– President of the German farmers’ union warned of bankruptcy for many farmers and called for the government to scrap its plans.
– Finance minister faced loud boos and whistles, acknowledged decades-long anger among farmers, and pledged dialogue.
– Protest drew in workers from other industries, such as hospitality, demanding the government withdraw recent VAT increase.
– Similar protests occurred across the country, blocking transport arteries and spreading to Amazon and Aldi facilities.
– The far-right Alternative für Deutschland party was blamed for contributing to the anger, with calls for the government’s dissolution and new elections.
– Agriculture minister blamed the poorly communicated policy switch on the finance minister and emphasized the importance of putting farmers’ issues at the top of the political agenda.
– The demonstration was the culmination of a week of protests expressing frustration over high energy costs, bureaucracy, and lack of government consultation. It has highlighted the influence of farmers and pushed key issues to the forefront of the political agenda.