From Zaragoza, as he watches a caravan of tractors moving forward with Spanish flags, Santiago Abascal describes a scene that, in his view, captures the critical moment facing the agricultural sector. Farmers and ranchers have taken to the streets driven by “deep anger,” the result of years of policies that —he warns— have progressively weakened the primary sector in Spain and across Europe.
The leader of Vox says that most farmers and ranchers who receive his message feel supported by his party. However, he stresses that beyond recognition or gratitude, what truly matters is the severity of the problems the sector faces. “Their difficulties are very serious,” he states, pointing out that policies against agriculture and livestock “have continued advancing for a long time.”
In his assessment, the European Green Deal marked a “mortal wound” for the countryside. Although that collapse did not happen immediately, Abascal maintains that agriculture and livestock have been struggling for years. Many farms have disappeared, and others are no longer passed from one generation to the next, as young people see no future in the sector and choose to walk away.
The political leader now points to the Mercosur agreement as the final blow. The entry of agricultural and livestock products from third countries —he warns— threatens to further undermine the competitiveness of Spanish and European farmers. A scenario that, he notes, has already sparked strong protests in France and other parts of the continent.
For Abascal, these demonstrations are not isolated events, but the expression of deep and shared discontent. Farmers and ranchers are demanding fair conditions to produce, compete, and survive in a market that —they argue— demands more from them while offering less protection.
He concludes that the primary sector is now clearer than ever about who stands by its side. “Farmers and ranchers know perfectly well who defends them and who has betrayed them,” he declares.
