Protesting farmers turn their tractors towards Parliament

The convoy of dissatisfied farmers, many of whom have driven their tractors in a rolling protest right across the country, are now planning to head to Parliament in Bratislava. Lucia Gallová from the Rural Platform announced this to TASR on Wednesday morning. The farmers planned to protest outside the Government Offices against the misuse of farming subsidies and the lax attitude of law enforcement agencies towards threats, expecting Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini (Smer-SD) to respond to their request for a meeting. However, Pellegrini stated on Wednesday that he had other appointments and would not have the opportunity to meet them. Subsequently, they turned their attention to Parliament with President Andrej Kiska announcing he will meet them there in person. The farmers want the Prime Minister to sign a memorandum aimed at meeting farmers' requirements, such as assuring land access, and that the Slovak Land Fund (SPF) gives priority to small, local farmers.