Farmers have taken to the streets of Warsaw today, staging a large-scale protest that has been disrupting the city since early afternoon. Organised by the Agreement of Agricultural Organisations, the demonstration began at 2 p.m. outside the European Commission’s Representation Office on Jasna Street and has since progressed through the city centre. Authorities continue to manage significant traffic disruptions and altered public transport schedules.
Ongoing Protest and March Route
The march is being held under the slogan “5 x STOP” to oppose various EU policies perceived as harmful to Polish farmers. Protesters are voicing their objections to the Green Deal, the Mercosur trade agreement, Ukrainian agricultural imports, and EU-imposed forestry and hunting regulations. Demonstrators argue that these measures threaten the viability of Polish agriculture and rural communities.
Tomasz Obszański, leader of NSZZ Rolników Indywidualnych Solidarność, shared the protesters’ concerns, stating: “We are united against the damaging policies of the European Union, particularly those advanced by Ursula von der Leyen. These policies are pushing Polish farms toward closure.”
As the protest continues, residents of Warsaw are experiencing disruptions in their daily routines, with authorities working to mitigate the impact while maintaining public safety. The demonstration reflects broader tensions between the agricultural sector and EU policies, which farmers argue fail to adequately consider the needs of small-scale producers.
Traffic Disruptions and Police Presence
The protest has caused widespread traffic delays across central Warsaw. Police officers are actively managing road closures along the march route and nearby streets, creating dynamic detours for vehicles. Authorities have reiterated the city’s ban on agricultural tractors and slow-moving vehicles, cautioning protesters about potential fines and vehicle inspections.
Police have also stressed the importance of adhering to traffic laws, particularly regarding organised columns of protesters, to ensure the demonstration proceeds lawfully. “The presence of tractors in Warsaw could severely disrupt emergency services, including medical aid,” warned police representatives in a statement earlier today.
Public Transport Alterations
The Warsaw Public Transport Authority (ZTM) has rerouted multiple bus lines. Passengers are reporting delays as these buses navigate detours. ZTM has confirmed that first stops encountered along detour routes are operating as permanent stops, with others operating on request.
Commuters are advised to check updated schedules and allow extra time for travel, as the disruptions are expected to persist until the protest concludes.
Broader Context and Farmer Grievances
This demonstration underscores escalating tensions between Polish farmers and the European Union. Protesters argue that the EU’s Green Deal policies, alongside trade agreements such as Mercosur and relaxed import rules for Ukrainian goods, are undermining Polish agriculture. Concerns about restrictions on forestry, hunting, and traditional rural practices have further fuelled discontent.
Farmers claim these policies are detrimental to their livelihoods, forcing smaller farms out of business while favouring larger, industrial-scale operations. They also highlight the lack of sufficient financial support from both the Polish government and EU authorities.
Impact on Warsaw
The protest has caused significant disruption for residents, commuters, and businesses throughout the city centre. Traffic congestion, public transport delays, and reduced accessibility to central areas have created challenges for daily operations. Authorities are working to minimise further impact, but the scale of the protest has limited their ability to fully mitigate disruptions.
A Long Night Ahead
As the protest continues, Warsaw residents and authorities brace for a long evening of disruptions. With tensions running high, the demonstration highlights the ongoing struggles of Poland’s agricultural sector and its opposition to EU policies perceived as prioritising external interests over domestic sustainability. Farmers have signalled that today’s protest is part of a broader movement, suggesting that similar actions could follow in the coming weeks.
Images source: @Ania_z_Polski on X
Read also:
European Farmers’ Protests Resurrecting Amid Fears of More Empty Political Promises
