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Farmers protests in Berlin
Photo: Christoph Soeder/dpa
In view of effective farmer blockades, discontent among non-agricultural interest groups is growing. "It can't be the case that the farmers get all the attention just because they have tractors," said a statement published on Friday by the "General Association of Dissatisfied Society" (Gug).
The association complains about an “inequality of opportunity that threatens democracy,” as was recently demonstrated during a blockade in Biberach, Swabia: “While a handful of farmers can paralyze entire events with their agricultural machinery, hardly anyone notices anything about other protests.” Overall, social groups are without Access to large equipment is significantly disadvantaged: "If you don't cancel trains and flights or block highways, you need a disproportionate number of demonstrating staff in order to achieve an effect." Unsatisfied nursing staff or teachers hardly have any work material suitable for blockades.
That should change now. In cooperation with the nationwide active agricultural machinery rings, the Gug wants to organize the rental of towing vehicles to those willing to protest from all sectors in the future. Basic courses in handling heavy equipment should also be offered. Comprehensive control of the machines is not necessary "for a good cause": "Basically, they just have to be driven to the blockade site and parked there in a large area." Amateur use may even be an advantage because it allows the protest to be ended quickly, even under police supervision threat of punishment could significantly delay.
According to the Gug, the federal government should subsidize the rental of protest equipment using funds to promote democracy. Otherwise there is a risk of a first deployment: “We are parking the Chancellery.”