MEP publicly opposed sanctions against Belarusian potassium

Thierry Mariani, a French member of the European Parliament, made a statement urging MEPs to lift the sanctions against Belarusian potassium

The politician stressed that potassium is an important element used for the production of fertilisers, as it supports the growth of agricultural production and helps protect plants from diseases, “However, due to the policy of numerous sanctions, fertiliser prices remain very high globally. The European Union has also decided to impose sanction on Belarusian potash fertilisers.” 

At the same time, Thierry Mariani recalled that Russia and Belarus had accounted for 40 percent of the total global production of potash fertilisers before the sanctions were introduced, “This is a typical example when sanctions harm us no less – or even more – than those against whom they are directed.”

The MEP noted that, according to the World Bank, world potassium prices have more than doubled, and this trend continues. “Belarus exports half as much potassium as it did two years ago. In reality, Minsk does not suffer much from these sanctions, as the effect is partially offset by rising world prices,” he added.

At the same time, he noted that rich countries are finding an alternative to Belarusian potassium, though it turns out to be very expensive for farmers, including French ones, “You should not be surprised if food prices at your stores skyrocket as a result.”

Thierry Mariani also spoke of the consequences of that decision for Africa, noting, “If the European Union really wants to help prevent hunger and emigration, it can start by rejecting the expansion of sanctions that are destroying our agriculture and stifling agriculture in Africa. All agriculture suffers because of these sanctions. As a result, all consumers on both continents bear the brunt of inflation. At the same time, multinational corporations are only getting richer, and the war continues as if nothing had happened.”