Tractors take over downtown Prague as farmer protests continue in Europe

Farmers in tractors took to the streets of downtown Prague on Monday, Feb. 19, to protest rising energy prices and stringent climate change regulations. Hundreds of Czech farmers drove their tractors into town, blocking some lanes of traffic in the process.

One farmer who talked to Reuters said he came out to signal his disapproval of “the bureaucracy around farming,” and the paperwork involved in agriculture, describing it as “on the edge of what is bearable.”

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However, Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala said some protesters had ulterior motives.

“Today’s demonstration does not have much in common with the fight for better conditions for farmers,” Fiala wrote on X. “We are negotiating with those who represent farmers and discussing what our agriculture needs are.”

According to ABC News, major organizations representing Czech farmers did not participate and distanced themselves from the rally after discovering some protesters were behind pro-Russian demonstrations. Some protesters in Prague called for the government’s resignation and yelled “shame” outside of Parliament.

However, the major organizations representing Czech farmers that did not participate said they would be present at the expected protests on Thursday, Feb. 22, along border crossings. ABC News reported farmers from nine countries are expected to be part of the protests.

Similar protests have popped up in Germany, Italy, Slovakia and Poland. The European Union did make some concessions weeks ago, including scrapping plans to cut the use of pesticides and chemicals, according to ABC News. However, despite the concessions, protests continue.

In January, French farmers demanding lower fuel prices, higher wages and fewer regulations brought farm equipment to block major roadways outside of Paris.

French farmers were particularly resistant to the EU’s Nature Restoration Law that states that 4% of farmland must go unused, according to Radio France Internationale.

Farmers contend the EU law cuts into production and hurts their income. The law, passed in 2023, is reportedly intended to combat climate change by preserving and restoring habitats harmed by farming.