Spanish police scuffle with farmers, truck drivers on fifth day of protests

There was a clash between Spanish police and a group of farmers and truck drivers in Madrid on Saturday. The group was attempting to access a main road in order to block it, as part of a series of protests across the European Union against the bloc’s environmental regulations, excessive taxes, and red tape.

Two groups, Plataforma Nacional representing drivers and a new farmers’ group called Plataforma 6-F, united to jointly demand action from Spanish and European leaders. They argue that environmental regulations make them less competitive compared to other regions.

Members of both groups, wearing yellow vests and waving Spanish flags, gathered near the Atletico de Madrid stadium and voted in favor of joining forces. They announced that they would protest together from now on.

Manuel Hernandez, head of Plataforma Nacional representing truck drivers, stated, “The government is forcing us to take measures that mean products will unfortunately not get to consumers in time. That is why we are calling on politicians to take responsibility and do something.”

Since Tuesday, Spanish farmers have joined counterparts from Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, and Belgium in daily protests, which have included blocking highways and ports.

Following the vote, hundreds of protesters attempted to access a main highway via a dirt road near the Madrid stadium. However, police officers used force to prevent them from doing so.

Subsequently, around 200 protesters tried to gather outside the headquarters of Spain’s ruling Socialist party, but a large police presence prevented them from getting too close.

Both groups have pledged to continue protesting in Madrid and across the country until their demands are met.

(Reporting by Catarina Demony, Guillermo Martinez; Writing by Catarina Demony and Jessica Jones; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)