Germany's Finance Minister Christian Lindner stood in front of thousands of protesting farmers and told them there is no more money for them.
Could this be the beginning of an end to the farm-lobby clout in
Europe and North America? Will Canadian politicians find enough gumption to defy the supply-management lobby?
The German farmers are protesting an end to tax breaks on diesel fuel; the government has responded by spreading the reductions over three years. Farmers say that’s not enough.
Reuters news agency reports that Berlin has been brought to a near standstill by the demonstration, which filled one of its central avenues with trucks and tractors as some 10,000 farmers arrived to cap a week of protests against taxes that have become a flashpoint for anti-government anger.
"I can't promise you more state aid from the federal budget," Lindner told the crowd from a chilly stage in front of the Brandenburg Gate. "But we can fight together for you to enjoy more freedom and respect for your work."
