In recent days, farmers protesting on the roads have also decided to block border crossings. As they say, only decisive steps can bring them success in the implementation of their demands.
The first border crossing in Dorohusk was blocked. In the following days, blockades were added in Dołhobyczów, Zosin and Medyka. In each place, farmers unanimously emphasize that the protests are organized from the bottom up, by the farmers themselves.
Farmers emphasize: the strike is grassroots
This is not a protest of any organizations. Everyone is together. This is a grassroots protest by farmers. Today there are no leaders, we are all here for one thing – appealed Wiesław Gryn, one of the organizers of the protests in the Lublin region, at the border in Dołhobyczów.
There are many demands that farmers take to the streets and they vary slightly depending on the region and the problems the farmers face. But two issues resonate not only throughout Poland, but also in Europe: stopping the inflow of agri-food products from Ukraine and rebuilding the Common Agricultural Policy.
In their statements, they bluntly accuse politicians of their inaction and ignorance of their problems. They also accuse them of playing to the public, and thus of the apparent nature of their actions.
Mr. Prime Minister! White shirts are for church, on Sunday, or for our funeral, and plaid shirts are for work! A week ago, all ministers went to the border. For 15 minutes. Almost like Makłowicz – cooking in 15 minutes on TV, and then comes the harsh reality. Your work is the same. 15 minutes at the border in front of the cameras and see if the powder fits well! This is the most important! – Gryn was irritated. – It can’t go on like this! The border must stand! The Polish market should be regulated first and only then opened, he adds.
Are the ministry’s actions apparent?
During the talks, farmers emphasize that they feel ignored by politicians, although they are the ones who feel the effects of the government’s decisions the most. They point out that even during meetings arranged with the minister, they were treated condescendingly.
We met with the minister on January 15. Siekierski spent half an hour with us and left because his friend came and left us with the guilty deputy minister. When we asked what he was responsible for, he replied that it was fishing. Okay, maybe further there, in Hrubieszów, it’s fine, because in the Bug they can learn a bit, but that’s probably not the point – Gryn mocked. – Why meet hundreds of times for 5 minutes? A week ago we went to the Ministry of Agriculture. Each organization was given 3 minutes to speak. In 3 minutes you can start a flea catching race and not solve serious problems! It can’t be like this! We cannot be treated this way, Prime Minister! You came to Zamość, we welcomed you with dignity, we expected changes, but the elections ended and our friendship ended. I know what it’s like. You get into the car and forget what you heard from us. Do something! Change something, because it can’t go on like this! There will be unnecessary blood!
One of the topics that is constantly raised is the lack of border controls. Farmers are adamant that these low-quality products end up directly on our tables. At the same time, they point out hypocrisy to both those in power and ecologists.
Today, an ecologist comes to see me in a car wearing leather, leather shoes, jeans and a genetically modified cotton T-shirt. Four cows died in the car because it has leather seats! After all, your government limousines probably cost one cow per seat! And this is eco? Eco only as a slogan, because there is no ecology in it and we have to undo it somewhere, because this stupidity cannot continue any longer! – Gryn appeals.
The hosts indicate that it is time to let young people have their say. Especially since the actions of the existing agricultural unions so far have not brought any changes.
Mr. Prime Minister, let’s talk, let’s talk, but seriously. Invite one union or two. Choose farmers – whoever you want – not old guys like me! Take these young, not old, activists from the old trade unionists. Because it’s not this way! – they appeal.
Year of the dragon, and the rabbit still rules
The leader of Oszukana Wieś – a grassroots agricultural association – concluded his fiery speech, which received much applause, with a reference to the Chinese calendar.
The year of the rabbit is over, but the rabbit will probably rule in Poland. The Prime Minister and ministers have rabbit dairy products in their trousers. But it was important to have this dragon and for this dragon to rule! We don’t see a dragon here. We see a rabbit that is struggling and does not want to talk to those who know. We realize that it’s best to talk to those who don’t know, because then it’s fun, you can manipulate them, you can do whatever you want with them. I don’t think we agree to this!
– .
