OREANDA-NEWS  One of the factories of the German automaker Volkswagen in Lower Saxon Emden on Monday, January 8, suspended work due to strikes by farmers. This is reported by the Bild newspaper.

The protesters blocked the roads, blocking them with tractors, which is why employees could not get to their place of work. Production may resume on Tuesday, January 9, the newspaper writes.

The protesters gathered early in the morning on January 8, Reuters writes. Posters reading "No beer without farmers" and posters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party hung on some tractors and trucks. In Berlin, a column of dozens of tractors blocked the main avenue leading to the Brandenburg Gate.

Farmers are protesting against the government's plans to phase out agricultural subsidies. The benefits allow farmers to save about 900 million euros (980 million US dollars) per year, and the refusal of subsidies will lead to massive bankruptcies.

A few days ago, the arrival of German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck in the country was delayed due to strikes. The politician was returning from a vacation in the north of Germany, but he was greeted by a crowd of more than 100 people at the Schlützil pier. The protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the government's plans, then Habek offered to talk with representatives of the group, but they did not agree and tried to break into the ship. After that, the police dispersed the farmers with gas, and the ferry sailed away from the shore.