Farmers and ranchers across Spain are set to protest in Madrid against cuts to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, leading to significant traffic disruptions.
On February 11, farmers and ranchers from across Spain will converge in Madrid to express their outrage against cuts proposed for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the postponed EU-Mercosur trade agreement. Organized by Unión de Uniones de Agricultores y Ganaderos and Unaspi, the protest is expected to involve around 500 tractors, a reduced number from the initially planned 1,500, as they arrive in five main columns from various towns including Torrejón de la Calzada and Robregordo.
The demonstration is marked by the government's decision to limit the number of tractors entering the capital to 500, reflecting a tense relationship between agricultural stakeholders and the government. The protests are fueled by widespread discontent regarding the CAP reforms that many farmers believe threaten their livelihoods and the disruptions caused by international trade agreements like the one between the EU and Mercosur, which is currently facing legal challenges in the European Court of Justice.
This gathering is significant not just for the immediate impact it will have on Madrid’s traffic but also for the underlying issues it highlights regarding agricultural policy and trade regulations, which affect the Spanish agricultural sector directly. The protest serves as a pivotal moment for farmers to rally support and seek a reconsideration of policies that they feel inadequately address their needs and interests.
