Serbian Dairy Farmers Stage Protest Over Economic Pressures

Serbian Dairy Farmers Stage Protest Over Economic Pressures

Serbian dairy farmers initiated a protest on Wednesday, making their way to the town of Bogatic to voice their dissatisfaction with the current economic challenges they face and the government's perceived inaction.

The Internal Affairs Ministry has once again asked farmers to provide statements regarding the protests, which farmers have labeled as "continued repression by state institutions." Slobodan Brkic, representative of the Our Milk association, stated that the situation has not changed. Farmers have been summoned to give statements over allegations that they endangered traffic with their vehicles.

Brkic expressed disbelief at the notion that tractors could be seen as dangerous vehicles. "We have no option but to express our dissatisfaction. The Ministry of Agriculture and the government are failing to address our issues; they exert pressure on us, the producers, and organizers of these peaceful protests," he declared.

Unfazed by the government's stance, Brkic stated, "If the state has decided to destroy us, we will fight until the very last day." Brkic highlighted worsening conditions for producers, with announced decreases in milk prices due to massive imports and poor livestock prices. He called for action on the streets as meetings with the ministry have proven ineffective in addressing their rights.

Brkic emphasized that discussions with the current ministry and Minister Aleksandar Martinovic are futile. He criticized the minister's plans for turning arable land into mines and his admission to signing import permits for milk and meat without thorough review.