Green Deal unwanted

Farmers with hundreds of tractors blockade Prague

The two trade union federations that organized the blockade expect the protest to end on Monday.

(Bild: AP)

Hundreds of tractors have been blockading the Czech capital Prague since Monday morning. The farmers are protesting against the Czech government's agricultural policy. They are complaining about high energy prices, bureaucracy, inadequate subsidy policies and are calling for the Czech Republic to withdraw from the EU's Green Deal.

"We are fighting to keep the energy industry, the food industry and agricultural production in domestic hands. Let's not put up with the destruction of industry and agriculture by the Green Deal!" the protest organizers demanded.

The two trade union federations that organized the blockade expect the protest to last until Monday afternoon. It cannot be ruled out that there could still be traffic obstructions on Tuesday, they said.

"Do you know what a cow looks like?"
Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný criticized the organizers of the protest and accused them of operating with misinformation and pursuing their own political ambitions. When he tried to talk to the farmers, he was booed. "Traitors to the country!", "Resign the government!" and "Do you know what a cow looks like?" were shouted by the demonstrators.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala also condemned the protest. He said it had "not much to do with the fight for better conditions for farmers". The protest was "organized by people who, for example, do not hide their support for the Kremlin", he wrote.