Green co-chair Nadia Naji after farmers’ protest: “Do we want to continue for the farmers? I mainly see politicians who back down” | Domestic

The farmers want to get more money for their products and have fewer regulations imposed on them. In recent weeks they have taken to the streets to sound the alarm. “I understand why the farmers have taken to the streets,” Naji responds to the farmer protests. “Farmers work a lot and earn pitiful wages. They have been encouraged by CD&V, De Boerenbond and the traditional parties to invest in larger stables and expansion, causing an oversupply. As a result, they earn less money.”

“An enemy is deliberately sought by the traditional parties, who are targeting the EU’s environmental policy. A good climate policy is also necessary for farmers. We have seen that with the floods and the extreme drought. This has an impact on farmers’ incomes. Trade agreements are being concluded at European level,” Naji continues. “We are blocking an agreement where meat from Latin America is imported at dumping prices at which our farmers cannot compete. It is also bad for the climate.”

Europe has already made concessions after the heavy protests, including with the plan to phase out pesticides. Unlike Prime Minister De Croo, Groen is not satisfied that this plan is being put on hold. “De Croo no longer speaks as Prime Minister, but as a campaigner. The European elections will be a referendum on the climate. Do we want to go further for the climate and the farmers? Or do we want to withdraw that? I mainly see politicians who back down.”

“If it depends on the traditional parties, they will collude with the extreme parties to block the climate policy that we so desperately need. Only with Green will you get a fair climate policy,” he said.

There is an agreement on a premium of 5,000 euros for electric cars with a maximum purchase price of 40,000 euros. Groen mainly advocates greening the vehicle fleet. “The traditional parties give that money to people who can already afford an expensive car, while three thousand De Lijn stops are also being abolished,” says Naji.

“You have a limited pot of euros that you can only spend once. Do you give it to a select group of Flemish people who can use it to buy a Tesla? Or do you give that to public transport that can be used by everyone?”