Moments of tension and emotion this morning at the Pizzo junction (Vibo Valentia) of the A2 Salerno-Reggio Calabria, where the protest of Calabrian farmers against high fuel prices and the crisis in the sector continues. One protester, overcome by despair, lay down on the asphalt with tears in his eyes. Other farmers gathered around him, some with their hands on their faces, others hugging their colleagues.
The attempt to overcome the barrier
The scene took place in moments of greatest tension, in front of the police force deployed to prevent direct access to the motorway. Some demonstrators attempted to overcome the barrier. On site were the agents of the XII Mobile Unit of Reggio Calabria, the Carabinieri of the Provincial Command of Vibo Valentia and the Digos of the Vibo Police Headquarters. Access to the A2 was contained and, despite the tense confrontation, the officials present maintained dialogue with the demonstrators to avoid an escalation.
A now regional mobilization
The mobilization, which has been ongoing for days in various parts of Calabria, has now taken on regional dimensions. This morning the arrival of other farmers from the Crotone area was expected in Pizzo, with numerous tractors heading to the garrison.
Production costs, prices and wildlife: the crux of the crisis
At the basis of the protest, according to the demonstrators, there is a crisis that goes beyond the high cost of fuel and involves production costs, the prices paid to agricultural companies, the damage caused by wildlife and competition from foreign products. The main issue remains the distance between the expenses incurred and the selling price of the products, a balance which, farmers denounce, puts the very survival of the companies at risk.
In recent days the protest had already caused traffic slowdowns: the tractors had reached the junction and the vehicles had been periodically moved to allow the cars to flow out.