Police advised against it

How 1500 farmers read their minister the riot act

Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig (right) surrounded by critical farmers, whose questions he answered. He was joined by section head Johannes Fankhauser (to the left of the ÖVP politician), who also answered critical questions.(Bild: Robert Loy)

The police advised against it, but Minister Norbert Totschnig went into the "lion's den" anyway: The ÖVP top politician faced up to 1500 angry farmers in Pfaffing in Upper Austria who are afraid for their livelihoods. Read here what the farmers wanted to know from the minister and what they criticized him and the federal government for.  

Pfaffing in the district of Vöcklabruck, population 1541. The village hall in the district of Aufham is the center of the community led by Gabriele Aigenstuhler (SPÖ), where people usually sing, laugh and dance. On this Tuesday, however, the anger of many farmers was unleashed here.