German farmers block ferry

A crowd of protesting farmers blocked a ferry exit point with tractors, preventing the German vice chancellor from leaving. They also made an attempt to storm the ferry carrying Robert Habeck who is both vice chancellor and Economy Minister.

The farmers are protesting subsidy cuts.

“What worries me is that the mood in this country is heating up so much,” said Habeck..

The German Farmers’ Association distanced itself from the blockade but said it was sticking with plans for more demonstrations next week in a push to keep the subsidies.

The government backed down a bit on Thursday, announcing that diesel price increases will be phased in rather than taking effect immediately.

Instead, tax concessions for agricultural diesel will be reduced by 40 per cent this year, then by 30 per cent in 2025 and a complete end to the subsidy from 2026.