In a protest in downtown Warsaw, thousands of Polish farmers conveyed their discontent with the European Union’s climate policies and the government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Organized by Solidarity, a farmers’ trade union, the march, titled “Down with the Green Deal,” specifically targeted the EU’s farming policies, mainly the Green Deal initiative aimed at making agriculture more climate-friendly. Farmers argue that these policies interfere with their work and impose hefty financial burdens.
“We are protesting because we don’t want to become slaves on our own land,” voiced dairy farmer Grazyna Gasowska from eastern Poland, echoing the sentiments of many participants.
Gasowska emphasized concerns about the Green Deal’s requirements dictating what and when to grow, making it challenging for farmers to comply. The march, adorned with national flags and banners, halted at key locations, including the EU Warsaw office and the parliament building.
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One banner humorously stated, “Let Brussels eat worms, we prefer pork chops and potatoes,” reflecting a widespread belief that the EU might advocate for unconventional food sources like insects over traditional livestock products.
The demonstration coincided with Poland’s political parties gearing up for European Parliament elections, garnering support from right-wing opposition party Law and Justice, seeking to regain momentum.
Responding to the protests and the upcoming elections, Prime Minister Tusk announced a Cabinet reshuffle, replacing four ministers who are contesting in the European Parliament polls. The reshuffle aims to inject new vigor into the government, which commenced sweeping reforms upon taking office in December, spanning justice, foreign policy, and media sectors.
Tusk shed light on the need for order and hinted at more changes guided by the state’s interests. His pro-EU administration contrasts sharply with the previous Law and Justice government, which clashed with the EU on various fronts.
Tusk’s team is actively undoing political influence over the judiciary and state media, while holding individuals accountable for financial mismanagement in state-owned enterprises.
Among the reshuffled positions, Culture Minister Bartlomiej Sienkiewicz and Minister of the Interior and Administration Marcin Kierwinski were replaced, alongside Ministers for State Assets Borys Budka and for Development and Technology Krzysztof Hetman.
The new appointments include Tomasz Siemoniak as the Interior Minister, Hanna Wroblewska as the Culture Minister, Jakub Jaworowski overseeing state assets, and Krzysztof Paszyk as the Minister of Development and Technology.
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These changes are set to take effect after formal approval by President Andrzej Duda, signaling a shift in Poland’s political landscape amid ongoing debates over EU policies and domestic governance.
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