German officials are concerned about the potential infiltration of far-right extremists in ongoing farmer protests across the country.
Farmers have initiated a series of demonstrations against a proposal to eliminate tax benefits, blocking roads nationwide. Interior Ministry spokesperson called attention to the risk of these groups exploiting the protests to promote their antigovernment agenda.
Radicals are suspected of trying to incite a widespread uprising, in a ploy reminiscent of previous attempts to hijack public dissent during anti-
vaccine and military aid protests.
Tension escalated when farmers confronted Green Party Economy Minister Robert Habeck, blocking him from disembarking a ferry, an act that was condemned by leader of the German Farmers' Association, Joachim Rukwied.
Farmers are challenging the government's decision to phase out diesel tax breaks, claiming it endangers their livelihood. Chancellor Olaf Scholz stands firm on this policy, despite budgetary pressures and declining government popularity.
During a Berlin protest near the Brandenburg Gate, the intervention of right-wing extremists was noted as they distributed leaflets and were subsequently removed by police, although they professed continued support for the farming community.