Poland: Farmers staging tractor protests in central Szczecin April 3-5

Event

Unionized farmers are staging protests in central Szczecin April 3-5 to demand financial assistance from the government and tighter controls on grain imports. Participants will drive in convoy in farm vehicles through the city center each protest day around 11:00-16:00. On April 3-4, activists will convene outside the Voivodeship Office before marching to the National Support Center for Agriculture. On April 5, activists will proceed on an alternative route through the city center, beginning and ending at the Voivodeship Office. The protests could be extended beyond April 5.

Additional police will deploy to monitor and facilitate the protests. The demonstrations themselves and associated security measures, including likely road closures and movement restrictions, will result in significant transport and business disruptions in central Szczecin. Public transport services in the affected area will likely be canceled or diverted. The actions are likely to pass off peacefully, but isolated clashes between protesters and security services, or with disgruntled commuters, cannot be ruled out.

Advice

If possible, avoid the demonstrations as a routine security precaution. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Do not attempt to pass through any roadblocks. Check for traffic and public transport disruptions before beginning journeys and allow extra time to reach destinations in central Szczecin April 3-5.