Latest news on farmers’ protests
MADRID, 7 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
In response to the ongoing tractor protests by agricultural organizations in Spain, President Pedro Sánchez has pledged to strengthen the food supply chain law that prohibits selling at a loss. He has also rejected solutions that involve ”climate denial” and “anti-European sentiment” in the sector.
During the first Congressional session of the year, the President answered questions from Vox and ERC regarding the agricultural protests. In response to Santiago Abascal’s criticism, Sánchez assured that the government is “with the countryside,” pointing out the recent meetings that Minister of Agriculture Luis Planas has had with various agricultural associations to analyze the sector’s situation.
The President also highlighted the financial support provided to the agriculture sector, including 1.38 billion euros in direct aid since 2022, 2.8 billion euros for modernizing irrigation in Spain, and 4.8 billion euros in subsidies linked to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
VOX CRITICIZES THE GOVERNMENT’S DESIRE FOR A “SHEEP-LIKE” SPAIN
Santiago Abascal criticized the government’s policies in the primary sector, pointing out that 75,000 agricultural holdings have disappeared in the last seven years due to “unfair competition” from third countries, burdensome bureaucracy, radical environmentalist actions, and the ”criminalization of their way of life.”
In response, Abascal accused the government of wanting a Spain of “sheep-like” individuals, whom they can easily deceive.
In his rebuttal, Pedro Sánchez condemned Vox’s “lethal formula” for the primary sector, which he believed involved “climate denial” and “anti-European sentiment.”
ERC CALLS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES THAT BENEFIT THE SECTOR
Teresa Jordà, the deputy spokesperson for ERC, pointed out the lack of structural measures in the sector and the need for environmental policies that benefit farmers. She emphasized the loss of “hundreds of farmers” and asked what the government intends to do in response to this grave situation.
Sánchez assured his complete willingness to engage with the agricultural sector and expressed empathy from the government. He also pledged to advocate for the farmers’ “just demands” in the European institutions in Brussels. Finally, the President committed to reinforcing the food supply chain law.
