Members of the German Farmers Association are planning to start a series of protests from January 8, 2024, responding to the austerity proposals of the German government, which recently stepped back under pressure. The protests will last for a week, culminating in a large demonstration in Berlin on January 15, 2024.
The farmers’ protests in Germany have influenced the decisions of the Scholz government, which decided to withdraw from some of the planned tax changes. These changes were expected to negatively impact the German countryside.
In response to the protests, the Scholz government decided to gradually reduce the tax breaks on diesel fuel for farmers, extending this process over several years. Initially, much quicker reductions were planned. This change aims to give affected businesses more time to adapt. The government also announced that it will not introduce the previously planned tax increases on agricultural vehicles.
Despite these concessions, agricultural organizations are not fully satisfied. They believe that Scholz’s proposals are merely a “step in the right direction”. As a result, they announce the continuation of protests in both Berlin and other cities.
Transporters affiliated with the BGL federation, expressing their dissatisfaction due in part to an 83% increase in road usage charges for trucks during the crisis, will also likely join the protest.
