Convoys of tractors caused traffic disruptions in Madrid on Wednesday as farmers gathered to protest what they perceived as excessive bureaucracy and inadequate state aid.
Joining a wave of demonstrations across Europe, farmers from Spain, Poland, Greece, and the Czech Republic demanded reduced red tape associated with the European Union’s Common Agriculture Policy and relaxed environmental regulations.
In Madrid’s central Independence Square, protesters in yellow vests waved flags and rang cowbells while blaring music from loudspeakers. Traffic near the Puerta de Alcala monument came to a standstill, hindering bus routes as farmers filled the streets with their tractors.
Scuffles ensued when protesters attempted to deviate from the planned route along Alcala Street, prompting riot police to block their advance.
Despite police resistance, some demonstrators redirected along a parallel street toward the Agriculture Ministry. Amid the commotion, one farmer paraded with a large cow, while another led oxen pulling a cart loaded with stacks of fake 500-euro notes.
Lucia Risueno, a vineyard owner from Castille-La Mancha, lamented the lack of government support and stressed the need for fairer prices to sustain agricultural livelihoods.
Adolfo Albaladejo echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of protecting Spanish agriculture from extinction. “The Spanish countryside wants protectionism,” he affirmed, advocating for measures to safeguard local products while maintaining competitiveness.
Farmers vowed to continue protesting until meaningful government action is taken to alleviate their financial burdens and address systemic challenges in the agricultural sector. The demonstrations underscored the urgency of addressing farmers’ grievances and ensuring the viability of agriculture in Spain and across the EU.
