The Spring of Nations in Europe continues. But the closer to the meteorological spring, the greater the advantage decision-makers in individual countries and the European Union itself will gain. Those in power know this well.
- Despite the strikes that have been going on for a week, there are still no details
- The authorities’ ally will be the weather – if the season starts in full, it will be difficult to continue strikes in such a large form. Policymakers know this
Even intensifying the strike does not help
Yesterday’s strike in Wrocław did not go unnoticed also outside our country. The protest in front of the Provincial Office showed the farmers’ determination. It was very rough at times. Not only the eggs were set in motion, but also the tires were set on fire. A symbolic coffin was laid and the tractors drove up the first steps of the Provincial Office. The police were on full alert. But despite the intensification of the protest, no one came out to talk to farmers about specifics.
It’s similar at the border. Who came to talk? It is true that there was Minister Michał Kołodziejczak, but in the opinion of many farmers he was exposed to a “mistake”. Minister Czesław Siekierski also has a difficult role. Such a mess in agriculture will not be cleaned up quickly. There was an evening debate with the participation of the minister and a group of experts, but there is still nothing from this debate. You can discuss, but please be specific.
Unfortunately, although a debate among experts is necessary, it will not help much if no specific conclusions are reached. And no one from the government – neither on the side of the authorities nor the opposition – talked to farmers. This is not an anti-government strike, but the leaders of our country should take matters into their own hands and talk about it with both Brussels and Kiev. But they are basically afraid of both those from the West and those from the East.
There are no specifics
Everyone – both Warsaw, Brussels and Kiev – is counting on good weather and a quick spring. They know very well that it will be difficult to strike in a moment. Farmers will go to the fields, and during the peak of spring field work it will be difficult to organize the strike as well as now. From the point of view of the demands, stopping the strikes is very unfavorable for farmers, but it fully benefits the authorities.
Because so far, none of the demands have been implemented. Nothing has changed regarding the import of agricultural and food products. In practice, very little has changed when it comes to the issue of fallowing, because we only have a temporary derogation.
And taking into account the issues of the Green Deal as a whole, there are practically no changes. Because there were no talks with farmers. Let us note once again – debates are necessary, but this is still only theorizing.
If not now then when?
The farmers will continue their protest in the following days. A powerful wave of strikes, perhaps in as severe a form as the one in Wrocław, will sweep across the entire country. This is especially needed – as farmers emphasize – on the border with Ukraine. There will be a complete blockade of border crossings. Farmers say that if the authorities cannot stop traffic at the border, the farmers will do it in their own way.
At the same time, we are already hearing that since there is no adequate state control on the borders with Ukraine, perhaps people’s control of the border crossing should be started and farmers will check all vehicles entering Poland from Ukraine.
When will we hear specifics? When will there be a real desire for change? If not now, then certainly not in spring. Ending the strikes when the full season starts means that both Brussels and Warsaw will forget about the topic. Perhaps also Kiev, which seems to be dealing the cards in this situation. Where does this statement come from? Because Kiev responds to any actions in Poland or Europe seemingly diplomatically, but often with aggressive language.
If not now then when? Changes are needed now. In a few months, the Green Deal will collapse like a house of cards, because agriculture will also have to be rebuilt. It’s already a puzzle with thousands of pieces that have to be assembled from scratch. But does anyone realize what strikes may occur if nothing changes? “The closer to the fall of the empire, the stupider its laws” – these are the words of Cicero. Today they work just as well as in the Roman Empire.
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