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500 tractors cross the centro de Madrid towards the Ministerio de Agricultura: traffic is restricted on the main avenues
Today, hundreds of tractors are slowly heading towards the centro de Madrid: farmers are taking their machines onto the main avenues to directly express their demands to the authorities.
Today, a major farmers' demonstration is being held in central Madrid. Five columns of tractors from different regions of Spain have arrived in the capital, with a total of up to 500 vehicles. They are gathering in Plaza de Colón and heading to the Ministry of Agriculture along Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo del Prado.
The authorities are warning of serious traffic disruption and recommend avoiding travel by private transport where possible. More than 1,800 police officers and Guardia Civil officers are maintaining order.
Organisers expect to outnumber last year's protest. Their demands include a review of trading conditions with third countries, rejection of cuts to the future EU agricultural policy and more flexible rules for farmers. The EU agreement with the MERCOSUR countries has caused particular discontent because, in the demonstrators' view, it creates unequal conditions of competition.