About 200 farmers with fifteen tractors gathered this Thursday morning in front of the Ministry of Agriculture in what was the first rural demonstration in the capital since the protests began ten days ago. “The countryside on a war footing,” could be read on the banner that led the march.
Summoned by Asaja de Extremadura, around twenty tractors have arrived in Madrid from Badajoz and Cáceres. Day and a half on the way. They have been joined by a representation of farmers from Tarragona from the interior, about fifty, who have arrived by bus. There have also been professionals from the Community of Madrid.
The farmers asked that Minister Luis Planas receive them. The police deployment has prevented them from approaching the doors of the ministry. The leaders of the agrarian association have asked the head of the police force to be able to access the official building to present a letter to Planas. “Just to present it?” the person in charge of the police force asked them. “Yes, just for that,” responded the leader of Asaja Extremadura.
The farmers have presented their demands in writing. “We are waiting for them to give us a response,” they assured.
The farmers brought typical products from Extremadura. Bacon, wine, salchichón, blood sausage… “There is no such thing in Madrid.” Also eggs, which they threw against the facade of the ministry.
The first concentration of tractors in Madrid takes place a few hours after the meeting of Minister Planas with representatives of professional organizations, among which Asaja is also found. The appointment was scheduled for the morning, but was postponed.
