In the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, an informal gathering of over 200 farmers drove their tractors onto major highways or blocked access roads, disrupting common routes such as the 40, 57, 61, and A560's entry. The A57, especially, was significantly affected with approximately 70 tractors causing major obstructions in the direction of Cologne. Law enforcement had to divert traffic and even ferry around 20 tractors from the A3 in Voerde, preventing them from blocking the highway.
The cause seems to be aimed at protesting the German government's plans to cut subsidies for agricultural diesel and vehicle tax, as suggested by a district police spokesman. Since WDR (Westdeutscher Rundfunk) had previously reported about this potential action, these farmers' discontent with government policies may resonate beyond their local circles.
The North Rhine-Westphalia Police have called in the public prosecutor's office to investigate if the assembly could be considered criminally relevant due to the disruption of traffic or a violation of the assembly law. In the meantime, detailed personal information was collected from various halted participants across different highways.
Political unrest and dissatisfaction led more than 3,000 farmers to gather in Berlin days earlier, demanding the withdrawal of austerity plans. However, this latest unconventional act of protest on the highways and access roads has garnered public attention and skepticism, raising questions about the appropriateness of tactics to achieve desired objectives.
Farmers facing pressure from growing competition in the international market and uncertainties regarding tax breaks stir an underlying dissatisfaction. This unease within the farming community could have a broader impact on society's trust and support in government policies.
