German farmers have launched nationwide protests by blocking roads with tractors in response to the government’s plans to reduce agricultural subsidies, Reuters reports.
The protests, accompanied by banners reading “No farmers, no food, no future,” caused traffic disruptions across the country, coinciding with a strike by the train drivers union later in the week, threatening further transportation disruptions. The farmers argue that the proposed end to tax breaks will harm their businesses.
Despite the government’s recent adjustments to subsidy cuts after last week’s farmer backlash, reducing the agricultural diesel subsidy incrementally and retaining certain tax benefits for the sector, farmers argue that the changes are insufficient, prompting ongoing protests.
