Scholz greeted by farmers protesting diesel tax plan

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was greeted on Thursday with loud protests from farmers demonstrating against his government's plan to phase out tax relief for diesel as he visited a high-speed railway plant.

The police led a convoy of tractors past the plant, which was cordoned off so the farmers were unable to reach the chancellor with their vehicles.

Scholz showed some understanding for the farmers' criticism but did not address their concerns.

"We are living in agitated times," the chancellor said, adding that he is well aware of the protests.

Scholz spoke at the opening of a new railway plant for high-speed Intercity Express (ICE) trains in Cottbus.

"That's also part of democracy, that you speak your mind," Scholz said of the protests.

Scholz wanted to speak to farmers from the area on the sidelines of the meeting. He is scheduled to speak with the premier of the local state, Brandenburg, on the sidelines of the plant opening.