Peasant protests in Italy continue. Early this morning, two tractors arrived at the Colosseum, as part of an initiative by the organization Altragricoltura, Different Agriculture, which calls for “protection of the dignity of citizens and their work”.

From three o’clock local time, a gathering of thousands of farmers takes place in the former Roman stadium Circo Massimo. The organizers of the mobilization belong to the organization “Betrayed Peasants” and reject the proposals submitted so far by the Meloni government, which have begun to be voted on by the Parliament of Rome.

These are proposals that mainly concern the total tax exemption for farmers with an annual income of up to 10 thousand euros and the reduction by 50% of the tax for those with a tax declaration of 10 to 15 thousand euros per year. Most farmers, however, are not satisfied and demand more dynamic protection of the national agricultural production as well as an increase in the profit from the sale of their products. The main claim is that exactly the same rules and restrictions apply to Italian as to imported agricultural products.

Fishermen and truckers protest with farmers

In today’s mobilization of the Eternal City, it has been announced that fishermen, drivers and truck owners, artisans and freelancers will also participate. Part of the Italian press, however, has expressed fears of possible infiltration by far-right elements. Yesterday over 100 tractors crossed the central, coastal road of Naples, with the majority of citizens applauding and supporting them.

However, Georgia Meloni, apart from the farmers, continues to face another internal problem in the government. Matteo Salvini’s League, with which he co-governs, states that the tax exemptions are not enough and that an effort must be made to cover annual incomes up to 30 thousand euros. He also insists that he will call for an immediate revision of the Union’s Common Agricultural Policy. The European elections are approaching and it is clear that Salvini hopes to maintain the leadership of the League, taking advantage of the agricultural claims.