Berlin invaded by tractors in protest against the government
Germany's administration is not having an easy time these months. Olaf Scholz took a chance by temporarily shutting down operations because of a budget deficit. He was able to save disaster with a last-minute onslaught, but the serious problems still exist. Indeed, Berlin is in for a scorching January. Yesterday, 1500 tractors demonstrated in Berlin against the announced elimination of the agricultural fuel subsidy, providing a taste of the consequences associated with the most recent economic initiatives, which range from arbitrary cutbacks to the strained green line.
A protest against the government's removal of the Scholz-led subsidy and tax exemption for agricultural and forestry vehicles has been organized by the German Farmers' Association. Joachim Rukwied, the association's head, did not hold back when more than 1,500 tractors showed out for the demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate. He said bluntly that the executive's proposals amount to a true declaration of war. Not only that, but farmers will plan further demonstrations to guarantee a very hot January if the subsidies are not lifted.
The Farmers' Association estimated that the industry will be burdened by an extra billion euros annually with the repeal of the laws pertaining to agricultural fuel and the exemption from taxes on cars used for forestry and agriculture. Thus, the request to Cem Özdemir, the Minister of Agriculture, is to exert pressure on the government to assist farmers and rural communities. Another significant signal from yesterday was the group of people who drove eighteen hours there and back to express their opposition to Scholz & Co.: a new policy for the German government that has chosen to penalize farmers in order to save money.
It's a catastrophe. Because businesses, particularly small ones, lack the resources to continue, particularly in light of the present earnings position, which is further complicated by the significant increases in expenses in recent years. However, there is another factor that should not be disregarded: rising farming expenses will result in higher food prices for consumers. It will be difficult for the Teutonic left to take a step back.
Both Economy Minister Robert Habeck and Finance Minister Christian Lindner have indicated that they are open to hearing from farmers, but they claim that in light of the Karlsruhe verdict, they have limited options. January is coming; at this pace, it won't be because of climate change, but rather because of extreme heat.