‘Hypocritical’ European politicians weaken climate policies amid farmer protests
GuardianJan 31
Protesting Farmers Converge at EU Summit in Brussels
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Image copyright: Stefano Guidi/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
On Thursday, protesting farmers — angry over rising costs, climate change rules, and red tape — drove their tractors to EU headquarters in Brussels during an EU summit. They reportedly threw firecrackers and eggs at police during their demonstration.
The farmers arrived in groups overnight, entering Brussels early in the morning in freezing temperatures, culminating their weeks-long protest.
The Spin
Progressive narrative
Folding in the face of angry and violent farmers shows a lack of political will on the part of European politicians. Fearing the far right's alarming rise across Europe, incumbent leaders have shown no inclination to take substantial steps to reasonably inform the farmers, let alone tackle their aggression. This is hypocrisy at its finest, and a serious threat to the environment.
Conservative narrative
The EU has done anything but cave to the demands of these farmers. The protesters driving their tractors across Europe are still angry because their leaders are pushing ludicrous policies, like banning the use of fertilizer and forcing land to go fallow. These policies aren't about saving the environment but rather introducing a Soviet-style system of control over the people who ensure food is on the table.
