Large-scale farmer demonstration in Berlin persists, affecting city traffic, with up to 30,000 protesters involved.
On Tuesday, 16th January, a significant farmers' protest took place in the heart of Berlin, causing widespread traffic disruptions and noise pollution.
The protestors, including farmers and freight carriers, expressed their anger towards Germany's ruling "traffic light" coalition of SPD, FDP, and Greens. They were protesting against the planned withdrawal of certain agricultural subsidies by the federal government.
The centre of Berlin remains blocked off due to the ongoing farmers' protest. The roads on Straße des 17. Juni and Unter den Linden were completely blocked, causing a significant disruption in the normal flow of traffic in the city.
According to the organizers, over 30,000 farmers participated in the protest, while the police reported a smaller number of 8,500. Regardless of the exact number, the streets were filled with more than 100 agricultural vehicles, many of which were large tractors, contributing to the noise and disruption.
The protestors displayed signs with messages like "The traffic light must go" and "No to subsidy cuts". Posters for the AfD and right-wing radical organization Junge Alternative were also seen at the protest, indicating a mix of political affiliations. Interestingly, some trucks flying the iconic hammer and compass flags of the DDR were also part of the protest.
In the early hours of Monday, the demonstrators played loud music, including 'Baby Shark', keeping many Berlin residents awake. The noise and disruption caused by the protest were significant, adding to the traffic chaos.
Besides farmers, the protest action in Berlin on January 16, 2023, also involved animal rights organizations such as Aninova e.V., which campaigns against mass animal farming and criticizes discounters selling cheap meat.
The farmers' protest in Berlin is not just a reaction to the government's agricultural policies. It's also a response to a toll on trucks, increased last December, including a surcharge for emissions of CO2, which has been criticised by industry representatives.
As of now, more than 100 agricultural vehicles are still on their way to Berlin, indicating that the farmers' protest may continue for some time. The city is bracing for more traffic disruptions and noise pollution in the coming days.
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