Numerous farmers rally in Warsaw opposing EU climate measures and the import of goods from Ukraine.
Thousands of Polish farmers converged in Warsaw today to voice their opposition to EU climate policies and the influx of agricultural imports from Ukraine. The demonstration marks the largest gathering thus far in the ongoing series of farmer protests in Poland. Alongside Polish farmers, participants include counterparts from other EU nations as well as Polish miners and hunters.
Throughout the event, protesters brandished red and white Polish flags while carrying banners with messages such as "Without us you will be hungry, naked and sober" and "I am a farmer, not a slave." Some banners targeted Ukraine, with slogans like "Take care of your family's health. Don't eat crap from Ukraine" and "Enough hospitality towards ungrateful sons of bitches," depicting a Ukrainian figure being expelled from Poland. The peaceful march commenced at 11 a.m. near Warsaw's iconic Palace of Science and Culture, progressing towards the parliament and the prime minister's chancellery.
The farmers articulated their demands, urging authorities to reconsider planned agricultural restrictions under the EU's 'Green Deal' climate initiative and impose stricter regulations on agricultural imports from Ukraine. Prior to the protest, organizers estimated 10,000 farmers would participate, a figure confirmed by Warsaw's mayor, Rafał Trzaskowski. One protesting farmer lamented the impact of Ukrainian agricultural imports on local markets, driving down prices and causing financial losses. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, attending a Visegrad Group summit in Prague, acknowledged the farmers' concerns and pledged to address issues related to trade with Ukraine.
Agriculture Minister Czesław Siekierski criticized the European Commission for imposing what he deemed excessive and costly Green Deal requirements. Despite the commission's concessions, farmers insist on permanent changes to the regulations. Since February 9th, Polish farmers have engaged in a 30-day protest, blockading roads and border crossings with Ukraine. Tensions escalated further as farmers began blocking a border crossing with Slovakia, accusing it of facilitating Ukrainian produce entry. Ukraine has called on Poland to resolve the blockades, threatening retaliatory measures if not resolved by March 28th, the scheduled date for bilateral talks in Warsaw between the two governments.