The confirmation that the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur has achieved a qualified majority of member states, including the endorsement of the Spanish Government (with the exception of France), has caused strong indignation among the protesters, who feel “sold out”.
The protest, which began on Thursday, is not only maintained but has increased: this Friday there were about sixty tractors in the C-16 area, compared to forty on the first day. This situation has already generated significant queues to access the Cadí Tunnel, anticipating the usual afternoon traffic jams.
“"The death sentence was already signed, and now we have one foot and a half in the grave."
Guillem Solà, spokesperson for Revolta Pagesa, stated that they are now “more angry than before” and are studying extending the blockade to secondary roads in the area to completely prevent access to Cerdanya via the C-16, or conducting a slow march towards the Cadí Tunnel.
In the political sphere, the Minister of Agriculture Òscar Ordeig announced that he will meet this afternoon with representatives of the farmers in Reus. Ordeig offered dialogue, although he requested that key points such as the Port of Tarragona, which was unblocked today, not be blocked to ensure the supply of feed to farms.
In parallel, the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, celebrated the EU's endorsement, stressing that the agreement will allow Spanish companies “to enter new markets, export more and generate more jobs.” Socialist MEP Javi López also described the pact as “very good news” for the stability and strategic autonomy of the EU.
