“Get rid of the green fascists who try to tell us how to live and what to eat,” said Tomasz Obszański, chairman of NSZZ RI “Solidarność”, in an interview with the portal wPolityce.pl. On June 4, farmers from Poland will take part in a pan-European protest against the Green Deal in Brussels. President Obszański also announces another major demonstration in Poland, to be organized in the autumn, “where everyone will see the price increases with their own eyes.”
READ ALSO: President Duda met at the palace with farmers who were holding a hunger protest in the Sejm. Borowiak: The president will try to help us get to Brussels
wPolityce.pl: On June 4 you will go to Brussels. This should be a major protest from farmers from all over Europe against the Green Deal.
Tomasz Obszanski: Away with the green fascists who try to tell us how to live and what to eat. Farmers will protest in Brussels against the widely understood policy of the Green Deal and all decisions that destroy agriculture in Europe. This also includes breaking the agreement with the Mercosur countries – the Economic Agreement of South American Countries. It is also about limiting the import of agro-food products from Ukraine, where mainly large Western European companies are active. European farmers need to develop their production, and there is unofficial information that Brussels decision-makers want to limit or even eliminate it. This place will be replaced by products from Ukraine and South American countries, and we do not agree with this. We will defend our workplaces.
Are there any discussions planned with the current authorities before this protest?
On June 4 there will be a protest in Brussels, but the day before we will meet the President of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia. As “Solidarity” RI we will present our demands and ideas. We hope for goodwill.
After all, everything is decided by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Do you think Marshal Hołownia can convince him of anything?
This is his coalition partner and he should not turn a deaf ear to the issues that farmers are talking about. There is still a lack of dialogue. We want to be there so that the voice of ‘Solidarity’ is heard, so that we can discuss issues that are good for Poland and Polish farmers.
The president met farmers from the Orka union who ended their hunger protest in the Sejm. Prime Minister Donald Tusk did not come.
The President should meet representatives of all agricultural organizations. We asked and ask the President to be someone who will unite all agricultural communities. Our steps must be deliberate and focused on our unification. ‘Solidarity’ wants farmers to speak with one common voice that will be heard clearly. Polish products in Polish chains and shops, and not goods mainly from other countries – Ukraine or the Mercosur zone. Regulations need to be introduced to monitor the Polish and European markets.
How big will this demonstration be in Brussels? How many Polish farmers will participate?
All agricultural organizations will be present. It is difficult to say today how large the group will be. Let us not forget that we are now in a period of heavy field work and it is difficult to get away from such a protest. It will be difficult for me to go too, but I want to be there. The representation of “Solidarity” will of course be in Brussels and we will build a common front of European farmers.
Unfortunately the weather is not cooperating these days. Can farmers count on government support?
Today we experience drought, hailstorms and frost, leaving farmers without the means to function, even though they have loans and countless debts. In such a situation, the state must effectively support farms so that they can survive difficult times and continue production next year. Although yields will now be lower, we are still battling pests and fungal diseases.
Do you think the protest in Brussels will be violent?
I don’t think it was a very strong protest. It is certainly intended as a clear demonstration of our position, the voice of European farmers in Brussels, because we are all against this green policy. This will also be the voice of those who will soon be elected to the European Parliament. I hope the majority will be right-wing, because the left will lead us to eat worms and artificial meat. The newly elected officials must come to their senses and curb this green commune.
Donald Tusk also called a demonstration of support for his camp on June 4. Which of these demonstrations do you think will make it into the Polish media?
The media in Poland will show with confidence what is happening in the country. There will probably be some teasers of what is happening in Brussels, but will this be enough to make everyone aware of where the Polish farmers are and what they are protesting against? For example, against the 50% reduction scheme. in all countries where protective measures are applied. However, in the Netherlands this is now 6 kg per hectare, and in Poland 2.5 kg per hectare. First, you need to make sure everyone starts at the same level. Other countries will not reduce the application of these measures to the level of Poland, and only then can we make reductions together on equal terms.
Will another protest against the Green Deal be organized in Poland?
Of course, we are going to organize a major protest against the Green Deal, which everyone is concerned about, even though not everyone may be fully aware of the consequences of its introduction. People need to be made aware that these regulations will affect everyone. The costs will be enormous and will not only concern energy, but also water, waste and gas. On May 10, we had a big protest, not only from farmers but also from all other industries. There will be another one, and I think it will be in the fall when everyone will see the increases for themselves. We are a country that can function in peace and health. However, this requires good governance and a life-oriented approach, giving up the dictates of the European Union. Poles have nothing to be ashamed of.
Poland was on the path of rapid economic development. Unfortunately, things aren’t looking good right now.
The entire infrastructure that would be built together with the CPK building is also of great importance to farmers. It would also significantly improve the flow of our agricultural goods. This would greatly facilitate the distribution of goods, mainly from the eastern wall to the sea. The same goes for a nuclear power plant, which means cheap energy is available everywhere. These are very important issues for agriculture, which is currently going through a crisis. We cannot stand idly by and watch others become stronger, like Germany.
Thank you for the conversation.
Interviewed by Robert Knap
READ ALSO: President Duda met with protesting farmers at the palace. Borowiak: The president will try to help us get to Brussels
Source: wPolityce