Farmers to hold Mass in front of PM's office?
PR dla Zagranicy
Roberto Galea
19.02.2015 13:56
Farmers protesting in Warsaw have warned that if their grievances are not heard by PM Kopacz, they will be conducting Mass on the street in front of the Chancellery.
Protesting farmers gathered in from of the PM's Chancellery on Thursday. Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara
Farmers' unions are conducting another day of protests in the Polish capital, Warsaw, requesting a meeting with Polish Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz.
The head of the All-Poland Alliance of Trade Unions (OPZZ), Sławomir Izdebski, has announced that unless PM Kopacz meets with them on Thursday, they are willing to spend the night on the streets.
Izdebski has also announced the union's intension to organise a Mass in front of the PM's chancellery in central Warsaw.
“This will be the first time in history and will be seen around Europe. If the Prime Minister wants to see the farmers praying in front of the chancellery, and not in church, then [PM Kopacz] is on the right path,” Izdebski told broadcaster TVN24.
The farmers want “payment of damages caused by wild boars, a dairy payout for 2013 and 2014, a ban on the sale of land to foreigners, and not to punish farmers for protests,” Izdebski explained.
The last protest by farmers saw hundreds of tractors blocking the streets of Warsaw. Many have received summons and fines from local authorities, Izdebski said.
On Thursday, the traffic situation was dire, as the protest coincided with the fact that the Łazienkowski bridge has been closed following a fire last Saturday. (rg)