100,000 tractors take to the streets. German farmers cause mass disruption in protest against diesel subsidy cuts
The Polish Press Agency has reported that following Monday's activities, which involved blockading highways and driving through city centers, the situation has somewhat settled down. However, additional disruptions are anticipated for Wednesday.
7:22 PM EST, January 9, 2024
According to official government data, about 100,000 tractors and other agricultural vehicles were seen on roads across the country during Monday's protests, with an estimated 130,000 individuals participating in the demonstrations.
On Tuesday, further protests continue in Oberhavel, located in Brandenburg. Tractors have been obstructing Federal Road 96 and the city of Oranienburg since 6 a.m. ET. Thousands of commuters traveling to work have experienced traffic jams - as reported by "Bild".
Around 150 vehicles initiated a protest in Bernburg, in Saxony-Anhalt. The police stated that farmers had been moving through the city centre and blocking traffic since 2.30 a.m. ET.
Motorists in the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district in Thuringia can expect severe disruptions on Tuesday. Agriculture workers have planned a convoy of tractors moving from Rudolstadt to Grosskochberg, according to a warning issued by the police.
The primary cause of the protests is the government's plans to eliminate diesel fuel subsidies, which had previously been granted to farmers. The German Farmers Association is urging authorities to abandon this idea.
The demonstrations are scheduled to wind down only on Monday, January 15, ending with a major demonstration in Berlin. Approximately 10,000 crews, planning to march through the streets of the capital with thousands of tractors, have registered their participation.
