ROME (Reuters) – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told a delegation of farmers on Friday as a convoy of tractors passed ancient Roman landmarks that the government would partially reintroduce tax breaks for farmers. .
Farmers have been demonstrating across Europe, including in Spain and Poland, to protest against low prices for agricultural products, rising costs, cheap imports and restrictions related to the European Union’s policies on climate change. They are demanding action from the authorities.
Four tractors, escorted by police, crossed the city’s streets, passing the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, where they carried Italian flags and slogans denouncing the EU’s green transition.
“Operating costs and production costs have been exaggerated and we are looking for answers. We don’t want to cause problems. We just want answers as soon as possible,” said Luigi Allegrini, one of the protesters.
The farmers initially planned a large rally in the central square, but scaled back their protest fearing that street blockades and other aggressive tactics would jeopardize public support.
“We are not here to protest, but to make suggestions,” said Roberto Rosati, another farmer.
Chairing a meeting with agricultural groups at government headquarters, Meloni promised to reintroduce income tax cuts that were abolished in the 2024 budget, but only for those with annual incomes of 10,000 euros (about $10,800). Ta.
“Exemptions are for the most vulnerable and are concrete support measures for producers, not privileges,” Meloni said in a private meeting, according to remarks shared by his office.
Agriculture is a sensitive area for Italy’s right-wing government. The main agricultural lobby, Coldiretti, has close ties to the government, but the current protests are being led by smaller groups.
“The government has stood up for farmers and challenged the false choice imposed by the European Commission from the beginning,” Meloni told the farmers.
(Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Alvise Armellini and Angus MacSwan)
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