Polish mayors, including those of Lublin, Wrocław, and Biała Podlaska, have banned farmers’ protests citing safety reasons. The mayors argue that the planned protests, which include road blockades, pose a threat to public safety and the flow of traffic. The bans come amidst ongoing protests by farmers across Poland, calling for changes in agricultural policies and tighter border controls.
In a bid to maintain public safety and ensure the smooth flow of traffic, several mayors in Poland have taken the controversial step of banning farmers’ protests within their cities. Among these mayors are Krzysztof Żuk of Lublin, Jacek Sutryk of Wrocław, and Michał Litwiniuk of Biała Podlaska.
The bans come in response to planned protests by farmers, who have been expressing discontent with current agricultural policies and calling for stricter border controls on non-EU agricultural products. The farmers’ protests have been ongoing for several weeks, not only in Poland but also in other EU countries.
Mayor Żuk, in a Facebook post, stated that while he understands the farmers’ demands, he cannot allow for the paralysis of Lublin for a period of 90 days, as proposed in the farmers’ notification of another assembly. He cited concerns for public safety and the potential disruption to residents’ lives as the primary reasons for the ban.
Similarly, Mayor Sutryk emphasized the importance of maintaining safety and the free movement of people and goods within Wrocław. He issued bans on farmers’ protests to prevent potential threats to public safety and the city’s infrastructure.
Mayor Litwiniuk of Biała Podlaska also prohibited a planned protest on the city’s bypass, citing safety concerns and the need to uphold law and order.
The farmers had intended to stage road blockades as part of their nationwide protest scheduled for Wednesday. However, the bans issued by the mayors have effectively halted these plans within their respective jurisdictions.
Despite the mayors’ actions, the farmers remain determined to voice their grievances. Police reports indicate that protests are still planned at nearly 30 locations in the Lublin region, along with demonstrations at border crossings with Ukraine.
The farmers’ demands for changes in agricultural policies and increased protection for domestic agriculture continue to reverberate across Poland and the EU.
As tensions between farmers and local authorities escalate, the debate over the balance between the right to protest and the need to maintain public safety is likely to intensify.