Media: Polish farmers block roads, border with Ukraine in nationwide protest
On February 9th, Polish farmers began a month-long general strike against EU policies, blocking roads throughout the country and at border crossings with Ukraine, Reuters reports
Polish farmers are particularly feeling the impact of cheap food imports from neighbouring Ukraine.
“About 100 farmers and 50 cars blocked the approach to Medyka border crossing, blocking traffic for all vehicles, Ukrainian Border Service spokesman Andriy Demchenko said on television,” the publication reads.
Polish media report that there are over 250 checkpoints throughout the country and post images, showing columns of tractors blocking roads and banners, such as ‘Without us, you will be hungry, naked and sober’.
“Poland’s Agriculture Minister said he understood the problems farmers were facing but hoped protests could be organised in a way to be ‘the least burdensome for citizens’,” the news agency reports.
Polish farmers from the Solidarity trade union said in a statement that ‘the passivity of the Polish authorities regarding the import of agricultural and food products from Ukraine leaves no choice but to declare a general strike’. They also criticise EU policies.
