Tractors and logging trucks flooded the centre of Vilnius on Tuesday as farmers continue their protest started in early January.
On Wednesday and Thursday, farmers will protest in the front of the government building against its agricultural policies. These include a hike in the excise duty on liquefied petroleum gas; scrapping a reduced excise tax rate for their trucks; requirements for the restoration of permanent grasslands; the expansion of protected areas; the dairy crisis.
Dainius Arlauskas of the Lithuanian Agriculture Council (LAC), the organiser of the protest, says that about 1,300 pieces of heavy machinery have already filled the main streets of Vilnius and their approaches.
“Gedimino Avenue is almost full, as is the parking lot [near the parliament],” Arlauskas told BNS on Tuesday afternoon.
“We estimate that there are about 600 tractors here, which is half of what will come. Others will be directed to other sites; I can’t tell you the exact location yet,” he said.
Tractors are lined up in two rows all along central Gedimino Avenue from the parliament building to the Cathedral Square, with some of them displaying slogans and images of Agriculture Minister Kęstutis Navickas. A large coffin is mounted on one of the vehicles.
Protesters are in a positive mood, some of them in groups, sipping tea and eating sandwiches together.
Dainius Mikalaičiūnas, owner of a plant farm in Rokiškis District, told BNS that it has cost farmers a lot of money to drive their tractors to Vilnius.
“If we came here, it means closure is looming. Because we are patient and we don’t go [to protests] unless it’s necessary. If nothing changes, then next year [...] we close down. [Coming with the tractor] cost me about 300 euros,” he said.
15min.lt has reported that farmers from Panevėžys District have brought a tanker with liquid manure.
Tomas Brazėnas, spokesman for Vilnius County Police, told BNS that the police had escorted 500 pieces of equipment to the centre of Vilnius by midday, adding that no incidents had been recorded.
Between 2,000 and 5,000 farmers and their supporters are expected to take part in the protest scheduled to run from 11:00 to 16:00 on Wednesday and Thursday.
Agriculture Minister Navickas and Environment Minister Simonas Gentvilas are expected to meet with protesters on Wednesday.
Further reading
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
