Farmers paralyze Germany: 100,000 tractors in the streets +++ Attacks on farmers +++ Trischler protest in Konstanz

Federal Economy Minister Robert Habeck warned against farmers' protests being hijacked by extremist forces and called for the protection of democracy.

The green politician said in a video clip posted by the ministry on social media today: “There are circulating calls with illusions of overthrow. Extremist groups are formed, and ethno-nationalist symbols are openly displayed. “It has become clear that something has gone awry in recent years, limiting legitimate democratic protest and freedom of expression.”

Nationwide farmers' protests began today with the blocking of highway entrances and tractor convoys in cities. On January 4, demonstrators prevented Habek from leaving a ferry on the North Sea coast.

The backdrop to the farmers' protests was the planned cuts in subsidies. The federal government announced on January 4 that it wanted to reverse some of the cuts. Habeck said the federal government accommodated farmers because of cost pressures.

The Vice Chancellor said that there is more behind the protests than the decisions of the current government. “We are all witnessing the turmoil. Wars, crises, and high inflation rates over the past two years. “Hope for a better future has given way to fear of a worse future.” Exhaustion, disappointment, anxiety and anger took over.

“But, but, but, we must not allow extremists to hijack this uncertainty. We must not be blind. Subversive fantasies mean nothing but the desire to destroy our democratic state,” Habeck continued.

The minister continued: “There is no guarantee that the debate in Germany will not become increasingly brutal, such that the law and the rule of law will ultimately be at risk.” Liberal democracy is a treasure that must be defended. “When nooses are hung on tractors, when tractor convoys go to private homes, it means that the limit has been crossed.”