© Daniel Bockwoldt / dpa / Global Look Press
German farmers have flooded a city's streets with thousands of tractors, in protest against new environment regulations; they are accusing the government of bullying them as it conducts its fight for a 'green' economy.
Around 4,000 tractors arrived in the northern city of Hamburg on Thursday, where a meeting of regional environment ministers was being held. The kilometer-long convoys, stretching across the city's busy streets, caused "considerable traffic disruption" downtown, police said. The protesters also held a rally at the city's Gaensemarkt square.
Placards displayed on the tractors included slogans such as 'Cooperation instead of bans' and 'No farm, no food, no future.' Another popular protest motto - 'Just say 'Thank you' - was also heavily present. It conveys many farmers' desire for the government to appreciate what those in agriculture do for the economy, instead of engaging in what they see as bullying and scapegoating in the name of pursuing green goals.
The Environment Ministry has recently proposed a set of regulations what would limit the use of certain types of weed killers and fertilizers - in order to protect birds, insects and groundwater. The farmers fear this will tank their businesses and endanger their very livelihood.
Comment: Good luck in your investigation, ABC. We can see that you've got a veritable Sherlock Holmes on the case.
See also: