German farmers block roads in nationwide protest over diesel tax plans
There are fears far-right groups could try to capitalise on the protests and the government says it’s monitoring the situation.
German farmers have blocked roads with tractors and trucks as they start a week of protests over plans to scrap tax breaks on diesel.
Police reported problems at locations across the country as vehicles parked up on major routes and slip roads.
Many vehicles had banners with slogans such as “No farmers, no food, no future”.
The farmers plan to protest for a week and say the government’s plan to end tax breaks on agricultural diesel will put many out of business.
A plan to abolish a car tax exemption for farming vehicles was also scrapped.
However, farmers’ association DBV called the measures “absolutely insufficient” and is going ahead with this week’s action.
The government plans were part of a package to fill a €17bn (£14.6bn) hole in the annual budget.
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