In the morning of February 9, farmers started a protest in many Polish cities, which is expected to last until March 10. One of the main reasons for this action is the extension of duty-free trade in agricultural goods with Ukraine. Farmers also oppose excessive imports of goods from outside the European Union, and demand the introduction of controls on agricultural products imported to Poland, the introduction of higher fuel subsidies, and the introduction of minimum prices.
Farmers’ protest across Poland. Difficulties on city streets
As he reported, “there have been difficulties in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship since the morning. “Farmers from all over the region have come to the vicinity of the voivodeship office at Jagiellońska Street in Bydgoszcz,” the newspaper reported. Traffic in the city center is difficult, cars and trams have problems with passage. Changes have also been introduced in the city’s public transport routes.
According to the announcements of local farmers, 400 farmers were to take part in the protest. There were banners on the tractors saying, among others: “We are fighting for a better tomorrow”, “Stop imports from Ukraine”, “Stop untested food from outside the EU”, “Without us you will be hungry, naked and sober.”
Traffic in Śródmieście is paralyzed, the greatest difficulties are on Al. Marshal Foch towards Jagiellońska, police are directing traffic.
Due to the scale of the protest, many people decided not to take their children to school. – I know I’ll take my son, but will I be able to pick him up? – wondered one of the residents of a town near Bydgoszcz, quoted by . The General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways keeps informed about the current difficulties in Bydgoszcz.
In the Podlaskie Voivodeship, difficulties appeared in the center of Białystok, especially near the Provincial Office. He said that several protests have been reported in this region. Difficulties will appear in the following towns:
- Wojszki commune Juchnowiec Kościelny – intersection of DK 19 with district road 1484B,
- Turośń Dolna g. Turośń Kościelna – intersection of DW 682 with district road 1517B,
- Brańsk – intersection of Armii Krajowej Street and Bielska Street along DK 66,
- Boćki DK 19,
- Grajewo DK 65,
- Sokoły – intersection of DW 687 with DW 671,
- Kolonia Zabłudów commune Zabłudów – intersection of DW 685 with district road 1477B,
- Knyszyn – intersection of DK 65 with DW 671,
- DW 684 glue sticks,
- Jeżewo Stare commune Tykocin – intersection of DK 64 with DW 671,
- Suchowola – intersection of DK 8 with DW 670,
- Sztabin – DK 8,
- Marianowo commune Piątnica – DK 61 and 63.
The situation is similar in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. The protest was planned there, among others: near Łoniów, at the intersection of national roads No. 9 and 79. Travel on national road No. 73 in the Stopnica commune is also difficult. Farmers plan to block the roads between the towns of Konary and Szczeglin there, she informed.
Difficulties also appeared in the Greater Poland Voivodeship, especially in the center of Poznań. Tractors appeared at the entrance to DK92.
Roads in the capital are also blocked, especially access to Warsaw. Difficulties appear near the Arynów roundabout on national road no. 50, as well as between Trzebucza, on the section of A2 and national road no. 92 from Kałuszyn to Stojadeł – he said. The entrance to Warsaw from Płońsk is also blocked. – We’re all going on number one – said one of the drivers who was trying to get to the capital.
Ministry of Agriculture on the farmers’ protest
The Ministry of Agriculture declares understanding for agricultural protests and announces additional money from the budget. Additionally, talks are underway with Brussels and Kiev regarding restrictions on the import of agricultural products from Ukraine.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Czesław Siekierski, said in the Sejm that farmers are protesting against the solutions of the European Green Deal, which were accepted by the previous government. In the context of trade with Ukraine, the minister assured that the rules for the flow of goods are being established.
“There will be certain amounts, we will be able, in the event of certain market violations in Poland, to close the border and stop the inflow of these goods to the Polish market. This is also with the consent of the European Commission,” said Czesław Siekierski.
The management of the ministry has also held talks with the Minister of Finance, Andrzej Domański. “We want to increase the share of the budget in supporting farmers. We are talking about subsidies for fertilizers and grain production, we are also talking about other issues that are important to maintain continuity of production,” declared Czesław Siekierski. However, he noted that the final decisions would be made at the level of the government and coalition leadership. The Minister and Deputy Ministers of Agriculture went to agricultural blockades to meet with protesters in the following towns:
- in Wyszogród (at the roundabout), approx. 1:00 p.m. – Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Czesław Siekierski,
- in Ostrów Mazowiecka, approx. 1:00 p.m., in Marianów (Podlaskie Voivodeship), approx. 14:30 – Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Stefan Krajewski,
- in Borki (DK 19), approx. time. 14:00 – Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michał Kołodziejczak,
- in Sieradz (Freedom Square), approx. 11:30, in Pajęczno (Market Square), approx. 1:00 p.m., in Wieluń (Legion Square), approx. 15:00 – Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Adam Nowak.
– it said in a statement on February 9.
Source: Gazeta
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