Berlin: Farmers prevent Habeck from leaving the ferry – Sharp criticism from Berlin

class=”sc-cffd1e67-0 fmXrkB”>

The blockade of a ferry with Economic Affairs Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) on board by protesting farmers in Schleswig-Holstein has been sharply criticized by the federal government. This is “shameful and contrary to the rules of democratic coexistence,” government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said on Thursday evening on the online service X, formerly Twitter.

Police said farmers had previously blocked a ferry pier and prevented Habeck from leaving a ferry. The Green politician decided to stay on the ferry and drive back towards Hallig Hooge, a police spokesperson told the AFP news agency. 25 to 30 people tried to prevent the ferry from leaving.

The planned abolition of agricultural subsidies is currently causing great resentment among farmers. According to the official, the protest was preceded by a call on online networks. As a result, about 100 tractors appeared in Schlüttsiel in northwestern Schleswig-Holstein, and about 100 farmers reportedly gathered at the ferry pier.

Habeck, who was reportedly on holiday on the Hallig, tried to talk to the farmers despite the advice of his bodyguards. However, an actual conversation was not possible, the police spokesperson said.

Habeck therefore decided to stay on the ferry. 25 to 30 people then tried to prevent the ferry from leaving. According to information, about thirty officers were on site and pepper spray was also used briefly.

The planned abolition of agricultural subsidies is currently causing violent protests among farmers. Earlier on Thursday, the federal government announced that it would withdraw part of its austerity plans in the agricultural sector.

However, this does not go far enough for farmers; they want to keep protesting. From January 8 to 15, the farmers’ association called for a week of action against the federal government’s policy. A major demonstration is planned in Berlin on Monday, January 15.

Government spokesman Hebestreit said regarding the blockade at the ferry pier: “With all our understanding of a vibrant protest culture, no one should worry about such a brutalization of political mores.”

Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) also stated that “Where words are replaced by insults and arguments by violence”, “a democratic line has been crossed.”

Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (SPD) spoke on X about “border crossings”. It has “no longer anything to do with legitimate democratic protest and hard political debate” if a minister is prevented from leaving the ferry when returning from holiday. Faeser thanked the police for their intervention.

(AFP)

Source: Blick