Farmers Block AP-7 Highway in Girona

Farmers in Girona blocked the AP-7 highway on Sunday, demanding tangible measures from the conselleria de Agricultura regarding the agreement with Mercosur. The protest, led by the group Revolta Pagesa, had been ongoing since Saturday.

Jordi Ginabreda, the spokesperson for the movement in the region, warned that the protesters would not leave easily. He stated, "Vamos a marchar con la cabeza alta porque hemos conseguido algo, o porque vienen y nos pegan" (We will leave with our heads held high because we have achieved something, or because they come and hit us). The blockade on the AP-7 was temporarily lifted in coordination with the Mossos d'Esquadra, following a similar temporary lifting of the blockade on the N-II.

The farmers blocking the AP-7 highway in Girona have issued a clear ultimatum to regional authorities. On Sunday, they demanded "hechos tangibles" (tangible measures) from the conselleria de Agricultura as a precondition for lifting the road blockade. The protest is a direct response to the recently finalized agreement with Mercosur, which the agricultural sector views as detrimental to their interests.

The blockade has been active since Saturday, causing significant disruption to traffic in the region. The protesters are organized under the banner of Revolta Pagesa, a group representing agricultural workers in the area. Their primary objective is to force the government to address their grievances regarding the trade deal before they agree to stand down.

Jordi Ginabreda, the portavoz (spokesperson) for Revolta Pagesa in the comarcas gerundenses, articulated the resolve of the protesting farmers. He emphasized that the group is prepared to maintain their position regardless of the consequences. Ginabreda stated that the farmers are determined to "marchar con la cabeza alta" (leave with their heads held high).

He outlined two scenarios for the conclusion of the protest. The first is achieving their objectives: "porque hemos conseguido algo" (because we have achieved something). The second scenario involves a confrontation with authorities: "o porque vienen y nos pegan" (or because they come and hit us). This statement highlights the tension between the agricultural sector and the regional government regarding the Mercosur agreement.

In coordination with the Mossos d'Esquadra, the farmers have agreed to temporarily lift the blockade on the AP-7. This decision follows a similar temporary lifting of the blockade that had been established on the N-II since Saturday. The coordination with law enforcement suggests a temporary de-escalation of the situation, though the underlying dispute regarding the Mercosur agreement remains unresolved.

The temporary lifting of the blockade indicates that negotiations or discussions are ongoing between the Revolta Pagesa representatives and the conselleria de Agricultura. However, the farmers have made it clear that a permanent solution requires concrete actions from the government to address their concerns about the trade deal.