Italian farmers protesting against EU policies drive tractors into Rome
Italian farmers protesting against the European Union and national agricultural policies have driven their tractors into the capital Rome.
The farmers, who had gathered for days on the outskirts of Rome, decided on Friday to finally enter the city to express discontent with the government’s negligence towards the grievances in agricultural business.
They drove past the Colosseum sounding their horns while escorted by police vehicles.
People greeted the farmers with applause, and thumbs-up signs as they made their drive-past before heading for Circo Massimo.
“For the first time tractors have entered the heart of the capital without flags behind them. It is a great result,” said Agricultural Redemption leader Salvatore Fais. He said EU farmers across the continent shared the same problems.
“Each group has the same problems and each one wages its own battles.”
The Italian farmers have asked to hold a meeting with Prime Minsiter Giorgia Meloni and Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida. The protesters have given them until 12 a.m. on Saturday to reply.
A protesters said the tractor procession on Rome's motorway ring road scheduled for Friday evening would start at 8 p.m. “We confirm that tonight at 8 p.m. we will leave from the rallying point on Via Nomentana and we will drive around the whole of the ring road and then return to the rallying point to await good news from Minister Lollobrigida for the meeting.”
Similar protests have been held in other EU countries amid Europe-wide rallies against heavy regulations and soaring inflation.
Farmers across Europe, especially in France and Spain, are expressing discontent through widespread protests.
A combination of soaring inflation, exorbitant fuel prices, excessive bureaucracy, and the environmental obligations associated with the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and its upcoming Green Deal, have been cited by the EU farmers as the major grievances.
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