Germany facing winter of discontent as farmers’ protests spread
Germany is on the brink of a winter of discontent after farmers and lorry drivers began blocking cities and motorways in a protest that politicians warned is being hijacked by the far right.
The demonstrations against government plans to end tax breaks on diesel for farmers are due to continue all week, and the resulting transport chaos will be compounded by a three-day train drivers’ strike from Wednesday over pay. Doctors are also expected to strike this month.
Monday’s blockades and rallies by tens of thousands of people across the country were described as one of the biggest protests in Germany since the Second World War. They are further evidence of the country’s crumbling reputation for consensus, and reflect mounting public discontent with Olaf Scholz
