The fifth day of protests by Spanish farmers unfolded in Madrid this Saturday, diverging from early expectations shared online by Platform 6-F that predicted blockades in the capital and demonstrations in front of the PSOE headquarters on Ferraz. Instead, farmers gathered around the Metropolitan Stadium starting at 17:00 to advocate for an open-ended stoppage of activities, aligning with members of the National Platform in Defense of Transportation, a smaller association that played a key role in disrupting road distribution in March 2022. By the close of the gathering, police actions targeted some transporters and farmers near the stadium area, leading to injuries. On the same day, protesters also demonstrated at the entrance to the Goya awards gala in Valladolid to voice their discontent.
Across Spain, farmers have been voicing opposition to the European Union’s green policies, mirroring actions seen in other European nations in recent days. Their aim is to push for fair trade deals and to secure assistance in facing crises such as drought. In solidarity, carriers affiliated with the National Platform for Defense of Transportation joined the movement. The coalition brings together thousands of self-employed hauliers and small and medium-sized enterprises, and they approved an indefinite shutdown of activity during a pivotal afternoon meeting.
Farmers protests live | Last minute of marches and road closures
The platform had previously encouraged a 20-day strike that effectively disrupted the distribution chain in March 2022. This time the action proceeds without the backing of the National Committee for the Transport of Goods by Road (CNTC), the body that traditionally negotiates with the government on behalf of the sector.
The decision to escalate was made at a rally held at the Metropolitan Stadium in Madrid. There, police pressed criminal charges against protesters after some attempted to exit the stadium perimeter by jumping fences in an effort to block the M-40 ring road. Authorities moved to arrest several demonstrators, and clashes left some participants injured. Protests continued in the metropolitan area, where a police cordon was set up following the clashes, with tear gas deployed. The plan remained to move the demonstrations toward the PSOE headquarters on Ferraz street.
Farmers want government action
On the fifth day of agricultural protests, participants carried flags from multiple regions and expressed frustration with the state of rural areas. They again urged the government to listen to their demands and to act decisively to address the underlying issues impacting farming communities.
In Valladolid, since early afternoon, nearly 400 farmers and ranchers gathered at the gates of the Trade Fair, where the 38th Goya Awards were hosted. They expressed their concerns with whistles, rattles, and occasional fireworks while mingling with attendees who were there to see actors, actresses, and other prominent figures from the film world. Many wore yellow vests, signaling solidarity with independent farmers and ranchers active in the Castilla y León region for more than a week.
The tone in the early hours of the protest stayed largely peaceful. A large-scale demonstration schedule had shifted in recent days away from disruptively blocking major routes and toward a foot march at the Valladolid Trade Fair to ensure the premiere proceeded with minimal disruption. Throughout the day, traffic delays and interruptions were reported on several motorways across Spain, though there were no major incidents to report.