Centuries of farmers gathered outside the Regional Assembly of Murcia this Wednesday in an unscheduled protest that brought together several tractors and trucks. The demonstration coincided with a separate action by ambulance technicians who are pressing for a fairer contract in their sector.
The farming workers hit the streets with their tractors, blocking the exit of the regional president as the plenary session concluded and while other deputies remained inside. A group of protesters shook the car carrying Fernando López Miras as he left the Assembly, then returned to the building.
Many deputies stayed inside waiting for the tractors to clear, and one of them was quoted in a video from her office saying, We are being held hostage.
Dozens of vehicles, including tractors, trucks, and trailers, some loaded with lemons and other fresh produce, were parked in both lanes of the avenue, effectively blocking traffic.
The farmers managed to reach the rear area of the Parliament, where another exit is located, to prevent deputies from leaving the chamber.
The Murcian president had appeared in the afternoon session to answer a set of questions about measures to support the agricultural sector and the protection and restoration of the Mar Menor. The regional vice president, José Ángel Antelo, the parliamentary spokesperson for the PP, Joaquín Segado, and the deputy responsible for agriculture for the Murcian branch of the Popular Party, Jesús Cano, were among those who went out to the Assembly’s door to speak with the farmers.
Representatives of the farmers entered the Cartagena building where Miras was scheduled to meet them.