Farmers Protest Against Economics Minister Habeck’s Visit to Factory

In Floh-Seligenthal in the Schmalkalden-Meiningen district, farmers protested on Thursday against the visit of Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens). According to police, around 200 farmers and craftsmen blocked the access roads to the nougat manufacturer Viba’s factory with tractors, cars and vans. There have been protests from farmers nationwide for weeks, partly because the federal government wants to abolish tax breaks for agricultural diesel.

Protesters harass press representatives

Posters read “Too much is much”, “Agriculture makes everyone full, even the opponents it has” and “Traffic lights ruin agriculture”. According to witnesses, the mood was aggressive and heated.

Journalists were insulted by the demonstrators and prevented from entering the factory premises to report. The police were able to escort the minister away from the factory premises via a safe route.

Minister insists on willingness to engage in dialogue

Habeck said after the factory visit: “I think this is the normal situation now, that federal ministers are received with protests. I’ve known this for a year, I would say.” What may be new is that events cannot be held. Habeck pointed out that the Greens were holding their political Ash Wednesday event in Baden-Württemberg on Wednesday Biberach canceled for safety reasons had.

But protest has to lead somewhere and in my opinion, first of all, before you get your way, it has to lead to a conversation.

Robert Habeck (Greens) Federal Minister of Economics

This was preceded by protests and blockades by farmers, among others. This is not a good development, said Habeck. Protesting for one’s own cause is part of democracy. It is everyone’s right and it is the duty of every politician to endure it. “The pressure, the dissatisfaction is there. But protest has to lead somewhere and, in my opinion, first of all, before you get your way, to a conversation.” But if readings, discussion forums or political events can no longer be held and that is the purpose of the protest, then it is preventing the conversation, said the minister. This is a dangerous development that does not lead to Germany becoming more solution-oriented.

2024-02-16 01:23:59
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