Farmers Protest Excessive Regulations Outside Parliament

Farmers Protest Excessive Regulations Outside Parliament

Image: APA/Helmut Fohringer

 

An unusual protest took place outside the Austrian Parliament in Vienna on Thursday, as farmers gathered with around 40 tractors to voice their anger at what they see as excessive regulations.

The demonstrators also protested against the trade agreement between the EU and the South American economic bloc Mercosur, which was finalised in 2019 after 20 years of negotiations. The agreement aims to cut or remove trade tariffs, making imported products cheaper for consumers and to strengthen cooperation across various sectors such as agriculture, services and manufacturing.

A symbolic heap of bureaucratic paperwork was dumped in front of the building as part of the protest, which was organised by the Austrian Independent Farmers’ Association (UBV). The organisation explained that the location was chosen because “the issue of agriculture and local food must be a central topic for all parties.”

Walter Rosenkranz, a member of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), which is aiming to lead Austria’s next government, and President of the National Council – the lower chamber of parliament – visited the scene and spoke with the protesting farmers to hear their concerns.

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