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Thousands of tractors blocked traffic in central Berlin – again.
Finance Minister Christian Lindner was booed by thousands of protesters at the Brandenburg Gate:
– My offer to you is: Let’s think big together.
Over 8,500 protesters and 5,000 tractors gathered on Monday morning at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to demonstrate against the German government’s agricultural policy. The latest in a series of large demonstrations in Germany against the government’s plans to increase the tax on agricultural diesel. A plan that could cost German farmers around eleven billion kroner, according to German DW.
To keep the peace during Monday’s large protests, 1,300 police officers were present. Also present were the chairman of the farmers’ union and the German finance minister – the latter’s speech was not appreciated by the protesters.
– I understand your protest. It is legitimate and it is peaceful, says Christian Lindner (FDP) in the speech.
This was met with “get out of here” from the protesters and boos from the crowd.
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full screen German Finance Minister Christian Lindner. Photo: Markus Schreiber / AP
The minister invited
During his speech, he defended the current government’s line. At the same time, he opened up a dialogue.
He stated that the tax increase must continue, but that the government could possibly ease other “bureaucracy” for the farmers.
Joachim Rukweid, president of the German Farmers’ Union, also gave a speech – which the demonstrators appreciated all the more.
– If you withdraw the tax increase proposals, then we withdraw!
This afternoon, the German government will meet with the Farmers’ Union to continue discussions.
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full screenThousands of tractors blocked the streets of Berlin. Photo: Ebrahim Noroozi / AP