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They honk in the early morning hours and wake the two Blick reporters from their sleep. Angry farmers and their sympathizers drove into the center of Berlin with tractors and trucks on Monday.
They oppose because the German government plans to abolish agricultural diesel subsidies. This means that costs for farmers will rise. You would have to pay more for fuel.
The Blick reporter meets some farmers during breakfast at the hotel. One of them is Elard von Gottberg (50). He is on the board of the farmers’ association of the Potsdam-Mittelmark district. He says defiantly, “We have come to stay. Until the federal government’s planned cuts are reversed.”
His conclusion: “We are deeply shocked by the government’s mismanagement.” He therefore demands: “The traffic lights must be removed immediately.” This means: the coalition of SPD, FDP and Greens must disappear, according to Bauer von Gottberg. He emphasizes: “This is about much more than just farmers’ concerns. The German economy is in trouble due to high energy prices and the resulting loss of competitiveness.
Left at 3:30 am
Even on the streets it is clear that people have not only come to Berlin because of the agricultural diesel problem. Just like Bauer von Gottberg, Norbert Thürk (62) has had enough of the government coalition. “We are trying to change the traffic lights,” he says. Thürk traveled with a group from the Baltic Sea island of Rügen to Berlin. “We are craftsmen, entrepreneurs, private individuals, fishermen, farmers, restaurateurs.”
The group left Rügen at 3:30 am. Thürk says: “We are here today to protest against the grievances in Germany.” Means: “We see no future for our children and grandchildren. Because the traffic lights are pursuing policies that are destroying the economy.”
One of this young generation for whom Thürk sees black is Lea Miesl (21) from Dachau. The Upper Bavarian is a farmer in training and works on a farm near Dachau. The most important thing for her about the farmers’ protests: ‘Show politicians that things cannot continue like this.’ She makes it clear: “I am afraid for my future and my work. Because politics works against the farmers.” Their solution: “Turn off the traffic lights, change the politics.”
Nil Lange is the same age as Lea Miesl. He will also take to the streets on Monday. “These are no longer farmers’ protests,” says the student – but more than that. “If you look around here, you see a lot of forwarders, medium-sized companies, small companies.” Their goal would be one: “less bureaucracy, sensible, factual policies free from ideology.”
Lindner booed
In fact, it’s not just farmers who create a great atmosphere at the Brandenburg Gate. Disgruntled hunters are also blowing their horns.
Thousands of people gather in front of the gate. They wave German flags. And on stage, association officials give speeches. The demonstrators roar, the speakers are encouraged. “We are the people!” and “Traffic lights gone!” the crowd sings. When German Finance Minister Christian Lindner (45) takes the stage, the protest crowd is less amused. She boos and whistles at the FDP man.
Later, Lindner runs into his limousine, surrounded by bodyguards. He does not want to give the journalists an interview.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
