08 Jan 2024 | 03:42 PM UTC
Germany: Farmers' unions and activists to demonstrate nationwide through Jan. 15 /update 1
Farmers' groups to protest with agricultural convoys in cities across Germany through Jan. 15. Transport disruptions likely.
Farmers' unions plan to protest in cities across Germany, through Jan. 15. Demonstrations began Jan. 8. The DBV and LSV lobby groups are leading the campaign to denounce government policies including taxes on agricultural vehicles and diesel. The protests are likely to include convoys of slow-moving agricultural vehicles in city centers, as well as demonstrations outside government offices. The campaign will culminate in a major protest event at Strasse des 17. Juni in Berlin on Jan. 15.
Several protests occurred or were in progress as of afternoon Jan. 8. Authorities reported that 1,300 demonstrators and 680 tractors were rallying at Brandenburg Gate, and that Strasse des 17. Juni had been closed since the evening of Jan. 7. Authorities in Hamburg indicated that 2,200 tractors drove into the city center for a protest early Jan. 8. Additional demonstrations occurred in smaller cities throughout Germany.
Planned actions through Jan. 15 include:
Dusseldorf: Farmers will conduct three simultaneous protests from 11:55-13:00 Jan. 10. Rallies will occur at the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) at Kavalleriestrasse 12, Free Democratic Party (FDP) at 44 Sternstrasse, and Green Party at 41-43 Oststrasse. Each protest is likely to have approximately 150 participants and 50 tractors.
Frankfurt: Farmers will rally at Opernplatz on Jan. 11. It is unclear what time this action will occur. Organizers have also discussed blockading the Frankfurter Kreuz located at the intersection of A3 and A5; organizers have not confirmed these plans.
Munich: Demonstrators will drive trucks into the city and protest at Theresienwiese on Jan. 12. It is unclear what time this action will occur. The protest is likely to have approximately 1,000 participants and several hundred trucks.
Heightened security is likely near all demonstrations. Transport disruptions will likely occur throughout the day in areas targeted by the protesters. The protest event in Berlin on Jan. 15 will likely result in significant disruption in the vicinity of the Brandenburg Gate and Strasse des 17 Juni.
Avoid the demonstration areas as a standard precaution. Allow additional time if traveling near a protest or on major roadways into the cities. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that any security disturbance may occur.
