From Monday, farmers want to demonstrate again to receive subsidies. Thousands of tractors are expected on the roads. Green party leader Haßelmann wants peaceful protests.
Green parliamentary group leader Britta Haßelmann sees a special responsibility of the farmers’ association and regional organizers in view of the widespread farmers’ protests. “You have to de-escalate before the announced demonstrations next week,” Haßelmann told the dpa. They would have to think about how they could ensure peaceful protests on site and the safety of volunteer and full-time politicians who took part in the democratic debate.
On Thursday, farmers prevented Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) from leaving a ferry on the North Sea coast.
Interior Ministry: Extreme forces could abuse protests
The German Farmers’ Association has called for a week of action from Monday against planned cuts in subsidies. The federal government announced on Thursday that it wanted to roll back some of the cuts. But that’s not enough for the farmers’ association. The Federal Ministry of the Interior has warned against attempts by extreme forces to abuse farmers’ protests.
“Peaceful protests are part of a vibrant democracy,” said Haßelmann. “It is of course legitimate for farmers to publicly advocate for their interests.” Actions like the attack on Habeck at the Schlüttsiel ferry port, however, are absolutely unacceptable. It is good and necessary that the German Farmers’ Association distanced itself from this. “I expect this from all state and regional associations.”
Unfortunately, there are still actors who trivialize or even justify border crossings of this kind, said Haßelmann. “This is unacceptable.”
Source: Stern
