Thousands of farmers gathered in Madrid, forming a long line with hundreds of tractors. The scene resembled a moving column as observers watched from nearby streets. During the demonstrations, several beer cans were hurled toward law enforcement officers, sparking tense confrontations that were noted by reporters. The account comes from El Mundo and reflects a day marked by intensifying action on the streets of the capital.
Trade unions organized the demonstration and aimed to block the planned route toward the Ministry of Agriculture. The events unfolded on a Wednesday, underscoring a coordinated effort by those involved to voice their concerns and press for changes in agricultural policy.
At midday, after a rally held in front of Puerta de Alcalá, a group of tractor operators attempted to move toward the ministry via Paseo del Prado. Police barricades and cordons, however, prevented the motorcade from advancing, effectively channeling the crowd along a different path.
In the course of the disruption, ten people—comprising both farmers and police officers—suffered minor injuries. The clashes were described as limited in scope but exhibited enough tension to attract attention from onlookers and local authorities alike.
Following the height of the confrontation, participants redirected back to the route previously agreed with authorities. The tractors then proceeded along Alfonso XII, resuming a path that had been cleared for the procession while maintaining police oversight to ensure order and safety.
Meanwhile, on 21 February, farmers from Poland conducted a separate protest near the Ukrainian border. They displayed pro-Russian posters, and media coverage highlighted a tractor participating in the demonstration with a banner urging Vladimir Putin to intervene in the disputes involving Ukraine, Brussels, and the national authorities. This moment was captured and circulated in coverage of the broader regional tensions associated with agricultural and political pressures in Europe.
Earlier remarks from officials urged restraint and cautioned against excessive optimism amid the evolving situation. The comments reflected a concern for maintaining stability while acknowledging the frustration voiced by participants in these demonstrations.