Poland: Farmers to demonstrate in Warsaw Jan. 3

Farmers affiliated with several organizations plan to conduct a go-slow procession through central Warsaw from 14:00 to 21:00 on Jan. 3. The purpose of the demonstration is to denounce agricultural policies supported by the European Commission related to a proposed trade agreement with Mercosur, the importation of agricultural goods from Ukraine and other issues; the protest coincides with a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Participants will depart from the Representation of the European Commission on Jasna to the National Theater on Plac Teatralny. Large crowds may participate in the procession. The planned route was not immediately made public.

Law enforcement officers will likely deploy throughout central Warsaw to facilitate the demonstration. The procession will likely disrupt transport in central Warsaw through the afternoon and evening hours. Participants will likely drive tractors into the city in the morning and out of the city after the event concludes; corresponding disruptions are likely on highways into and out of Warsaw in the morning and late hours. Confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement officers, frustrated motorists, or opposed individuals cannot be ruled out.