Latvia: Farmers begin protests across country

Latvian farmers will begin holding protests across the country on 5 February 2024, the Farmers’ Parliament (ZSA) announced, LSM reports. ZSA chairman Juris Lazdins said that the composition of the current government was “particularly distinguished by its arrogance and indifference.” The organisation has submitted its demands to Prime Minister Evika Silina and Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze. The demands include an immediate ban on imports of food from Russia and Belarus, restoring a reduced 5% VAT rate on locally grown fruit and berries, reducing bureaucracy, removing restrictions on land use, and other measures to support the agriculture sector.