Hundreds of farmers drove their tractors into central Madrid on Wednesday to protest against European Union and local farming policies. The protest, the largest in the Spanish capital after weeks of daily protests, included a rally outside the Agriculture Ministry headquarters. Many tractors displayed Spanish flags, and farmers carried banners with messages such as 'There is no life without farming' and 'Farmers in Extinction'.
One farmer, Silvia Ruiz, expressed the challenges faced by rural industry workers, stating, 'It is impossible to live from our work. That is all we ask for.' The Union of Unions organizing group brought 500 tractors and many farmers on buses, with some tractors unable to enter the city due to government restrictions.
Similar protests have occurred across the EU, with farmers citing financial burdens from EU policies and unfair competition from non-EU imports. Despite recent concessions by Spain and the European Commission, farmers feel the measures are insufficient. They also criticize the lack of enforcement of a law ensuring fair prices from major supermarket buyers.
In France, farmers have also protested for better pay and support from the government. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal pledged to introduce legislation to empower French farmers in price negotiations and facilitate hiring seasonal workers. He also promised measures to protect farmers from imports that could harm local agriculture.
The protests in Madrid and Paris reflect a broader discontent among farmers in Europe, calling for action to address their concerns and ensure a sustainable future for agriculture.
