Thousands of tractors block traffic in central Berlin

DPA
·2 min read
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Numerous tractors, trucks and cars parked on the Strasse des 17. According to the police, around 10000 participants and 5000 vehicles are expected to take part in a large demonstration by farmers' associations and the BGL haulage association against planned subsidy cuts by the federal government, including for agricultural diesel. Monika Skolimowska/dpa

Thousands of German farmers, lorry drivers and craftsmen gathered with tractors and other heavy equipment in front of Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate on Monday morning.

Police on Monday morning estimated that at least 3,000 tractors had already arrived for the protest and an estimated 2,000 more were on the way. The tractors blocked traffic in parts of the city, and Berlin's public transit agency reported major service delays.

About 10,000 people had registered for the demonstrations, but Berlin police expect even more to attend.

A total of 1,300 police officers have been deployed to accompany the farmer protests, Police Commissioner Barbara Slowik told city leaders on Monday.

The farmers are protesting against government plans to cut diesel fuel subsidies for the agricultural sector.

Joachim Rukwied, the president of the German Farmers' Union, and German Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the liberal-conservative Free Democrats (FDP) party are among those due to speak at the demonstration.

Numerous tractors, trucks and cars lined up on Strasse des 17. Juni. According to the police, around 10000 participants and 5000 vehicles are expected to take part in a large demonstration by farmers' associations and the BGL haulage association against planned subsidy cuts by the federal government, including for agricultural diesel. Monika Skolimowska/dpa
Numerous tractors, trucks and cars are parked on the central reservation and at the side of the road on Bismarckstrasse. According to the police, around 10000 participants and 5000 vehicles are expected to take part in a large demonstration by farmers' associations and the BGL haulage association against planned subsidy cuts by the federal government, including for agricultural diesel. Monika Skolimowska/dpa