Tractors head again to Berlin centre in climax to farmer protests
Large numbers of tractors were heading to Berlin city centre on Monday morning for another demonstration by farmers who are angry at government plans to end tax breaks on diesel fuel.
Honking tractors could be heard in several neighbourhoods. Other agricultural workers were also seen joining the protest.
Around midday (1100 GMT) thousands of farmers from all over Germany plan to hold a rally at the iconic Brandenburg Gate against the end of diesel tax breaks for the agricultural sector, in a climax to their week of protests. Many tractors were already parked by the monument in the early morning.
In addition to representatives of the Farmers' Association and trade unions, Germany's Finance Minister Christian Lindner will also speak at the rally.
Around 5,000 tractors and other agricultural vehicles from all over Germany are expected to take part.
On Sunday evening, the police were already having to stop tractors from entering the demonstration area in the capital's governmental district.
"It can't take any more," said a police spokesperson in the evening.
Heavy traffic obstructions are to be expected throughout the German capital on Monday.
In one concession, the government has decided not to abolish the motor vehicle tax exemption for the agricultural sector. However, farmers argue that this decision does not go far enough.
