Analysis

Polish farmers protest in Warsaw

Pig carcasses were butchered, tyres were burnt and apples were thrown all over Warsaw’s streets on March 13, causing chaos in the centre of the Polish capital and blocking access to a number of important streets.

The unannounced protest was carried out by farmers from the AGROunia union demanding a change to the government’s international policy so that it takes into account the interests of Polish family farms. The farmers are also opposed to what they have called “an idle and ineffective” fight against African swine fever.

Michał Kołodziejczak, leader of AGROuni, said: “Varsovians have been cut off from the road, it is symbolic to show how farmers are cut off from the sales markets in Poland. This is only a taste of what is to come.”

“These apples should be given to children in kindergartens, and not thrown on to the street, disturbing commuters,” responded Minister of Agriculture Jan Ardanowski.

Photo: wp.pl