Serbia: Peasants and farmers block the country

[Bandito]

Serbian peasants started their mass protest on Monday, after the government announced it would slash subsidies for farming households. They tried to get to Belgrade, but the police stopped them in northern Serbia, where they started blocking traffic in order to get enough attention so they can march forward to Belgrade. Police used brutal violence and one protester was severely injured. Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZlQ9oMgfiA) is the video of him lying by the road with the police not giving a shit.

On Tuesday, they blocked traffic on Novi Sad's Varadin Bridge.

Previously, the farmers warned they would block "the whole province of Vojvodina in order to achieve their rights".

And so they did. Today only a couple of highways in Vojvodina are not blocked by the peasants.

Link (http://www.b92.net/eng/news/society-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=05&dd=31&nav_id=74664). Link (http://www.b92.net/eng/news/society-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=06&dd=01&nav_id=74694).

http://www.021.rs/images/stories/Miodrag/DSC08947.jpg

It's amazing how the state-controlled media is covering this story. It's not even among the first 5 domestic news on TV, comments on web pages of most of the media are heavily censored etc...

The truth is that the country is trying to destroy small farmers (less than 100 hectars) by cutting them off the state tit, while favoring the major oligarchs, who own much, much more. The big owners of the farming capital will get their taxes back with the tax refund, while small farmers will starve because they won't even have money to buy gas for their tractors, let alone harvest crops.

Farmers Association Assembly President Miroslav Ivković said that farmers would continue with “even fiercer” attempts to get to Belgrade and explained that farmers were using between 6,000 and 7,000 tractors.

“We are not the ones blocking the roads and citizens should know that. Police are blocking the roads because they are preventing us from going to Belgrade”

http://www.021.rs/images/stories/Miodrag/P1010193.jpg

There are good things. The people is showing solidarity with the farmers by sleeping with them outside City Hall in Novi Sad, bringing them food and water and bringing the kids to "see the tractors". It's nice, but no media is even covering that. Solidarity is not sensational news to these morons.

Here (http://www.021.rs/Novi-Sad/Vesti/I-dalje-blokade-puteva.html) are some more photos.

[Le Socialiste]

Any updates/changes? I'd like to here more if anything else happens.

[pranabjyoti]

It's nice, but no media is even covering that. Solidarity is not sensational news to these morons.
Here (http://www.021.rs/Novi-Sad/Vesti/I-dalje-blokade-puteva.html) are some more photos.
Just kick on their ass.:cursing:

[Salyut]

The particular tactic is called a 'tractorcade'. They did them in Canada and the US during the farm crisis in the 80's.

...They also took manure sprayers to government buildings more then once.

[Thirsty Crow]

...They also took manure sprayers to government buildings more then once.
Now that's a potentionally sensational tactic :D

@Bandito: can you tell me, are there any connections and communication between workers' orgs and protesting farmers being made?
It is great to hear that spontaneous acts of solidarity have occurred, but is there any chance whatsoever for, let's say, organized solidarity between farmers and workers?

Oh yeah, one more thing: if we'd draw a comparison between similar farmers' protests in the region, weould we have to conclude that the Serbian state is much more resolute, in comparison to the Croatian state, to favor big farming capital at the expense of small farmers?

[Bandito]

@Bandito: can you tell me, are there any connections and communication between workers' orgs and protesting farmers being made?
It is great to hear that spontaneous acts of solidarity have occurred, but is there any chance whatsoever for, let's say, organized solidarity between farmers and workers?

Oh yeah, one more thing: if we'd draw a comparison between similar farmers' protests in the region, weould we have to conclude that the Serbian state is much more resolute, in comparison to the Croatian state, to favor big farming capital at the expense of small farmers?

Sorry for the late update on the situation, but yesterday I was with the farmers all night, and went to work at 6am today.

To adress your first question, no, there aren't any connections between unions and the protests. If such solidarity happened, Serbia would be turned upside down and the ruling Democratic party would be removed from power, for sure. But signs of that relationship are showing, yes, by the lumpens (police syndicat), but if that happened, it would be sensational. But unions are yet to declare their views about this protest, which they maybe never issue, simply because peasants are not paying for the membership in those corrupt state-ran unions.

On the second part, yes, yes it is, or so it seems. From what I've heard from the farmers, the buying price of wheat is twice as lower than in Croatia, and the state subsidies for farming households are way bigger and count for bigger land than in Serbia. Miroslav Miskovic, the local oligarch is currently possessing hundreds of thousands of acres in Vojvodina only, and the is the main funder of Democrat (well, all of them) party. So it is expected that state laws are to be changed in accordance to his needs.

A little news update:

All roads in Vojvodina are blocked, with exception of state highway between Novi Sad and Belgrade. The Union of agriculture workers are announcing that, if their demands are not met, they will block the railways and the state highways. which would lead into complete blockage of food delivery in Vojvodina. If such thing is indeed attempted, their demands would have to be accepted in, in my humble opinion, say 48 hours. Especially because this is an election year in Serbia.

[Bandito]

Breaking news:

State officials declared that all farmers demands are going to be met.


That's how strikes and mass protests work. The only thing the state is afraid of are organized masses.

[pranabjyoti]

Breaking news:

State officials declared that all farmers demands are going to be met.


That's how strikes and mass protests work. The only thing the state is afraid of are organized masses.
Problem is, instead of workers, petty-bourgeoisie like peasants are now in the lead role of militant movements and protests worldwide.

[Bandito]

Problem is, instead of workers, petty-bourgeoisie like peasants are now in the lead role of militant movements and protests worldwide.

While this is indeed correct, there are still some points needed to be raised here.

Historical context of all ex-Yugoslavian countries is such that mass protests are reserved generally only for nationalistic or other quite reactionary movements or attached to such figures. Mass movement of the workers is degenarated by the empirically proven useless existence of unions, that are known as state-run and very anti-worker.

So, the relevance of this protest in Serbia has the value of bringing forward the idea of mass organizing as a concept that surely works.

That is one thing. The other thing is miserable position of farmers. While owning land, they only serve as state's slaves, with the Ministry of agriculture and Bank of Serbia determining the value of their products and giving them loans that are beyond all reason. So you get the average peasant, who indeed owns the land he is cultivating, to be a slave because he is completely tied to their demands and rules of the game. The game that the peasant is bound to lose, because the state aparatus if favoring a few of their financiers who own large proportions of the land, much bigger than what these farmers have. So you get that the main goal is to destroy little farmers in favor of thugs like Miskovic, if it's Serbia we are discussing.

[Thirsty Crow]

Breaking news:

State officials declared that all farmers demands are going to be met.


That's how strikes and mass protests work. The only thing the state is afraid of are organized masses.
I would point out the fact that many times the state here promised solutions, and the fullfilment of farmers' demands, but that came to a halt and resulted in a prolonged series of further negotiations and in some cases there were specific demands that were dropped. It is extremely important that the base can exercise control over the leadership of the farmers' associations.
And never trust these filthy bureaucrats.

[Obs]

Breaking news:

State officials declared that all farmers demands are going to be met.


That's how strikes and mass protests work. The only thing the state is afraid of are organized masses.

Congrats, Serbia.

[Le Socialiste]

That's all good and well, but it's vital that they keep up the pressure for as long as they can. One of the things that always bothers me about strikes/demonstrations is that once they're over the people just go back home. What many fail to realize is that this only prolongs the capitalist hold over the state, thus setting up for a perpetual stage of conflict. However, this realization is only possible if the people are made aware and are conscious of their status as workers. In any event, I wish the demonstrators in Serbia the best. Hopefully it all works out.

[Spirit]

Thumbs up for Serbian farmers from Croatia!

[Bandito]

I would point out the fact that many times the state here promised solutions, and the fullfilment of farmers' demands, but that came to a halt and resulted in a prolonged series of further negotiations and in some cases there were specific demands that were dropped. It is extremely important that the base can exercise control over the leadership of the farmers' associations.
And never trust these filthy bureaucrats.

Yep, same here.

The state declared that they will meet all demands, and "attached" an 8 month period to pay the farmers.

What they did today was this - they kept the barricades until that last "8 months" bullshit was dropped. So, now, owners of 30 hectars and less will get their money immediately, and the rest of the money will be distributed in the next 6 months.

Yes, governments lie, but this is not the crowd to be fucked with that easily. I spent the last 5 days among them, hardly got any sleep, and there is only one thing I can conclude - if they fool them with this, there will be massive riots.

The ruling party just can't afford that just a couple of months before the elections, so I expect everything to turn out OK.

Well, for this year. The state's pressure towards small farmers and peasants will continue next year, that's for sure. It's the state's strategy, if nothing.

[pranabjyoti]

While this is indeed correct, there are still some points needed to be raised here.

Historical context of all ex-Yugoslavian countries is such that mass protests are reserved generally only for nationalistic or other quite reactionary movements or attached to such figures. Mass movement of the workers is degenarated by the empirically proven useless existence of unions, that are known as state-run and very anti-worker.

So, the relevance of this protest in Serbia has the value of bringing forward the idea of mass organizing as a concept that surely works.

That is one thing. The other thing is miserable position of farmers. While owning land, they only serve as state's slaves, with the Ministry of agriculture and Bank of Serbia determining the value of their products and giving them loans that are beyond all reason. So you get the average peasant, who indeed owns the land he is cultivating, to be a slave because he is completely tied to their demands and rules of the game. The game that the peasant is bound to lose, because the state aparatus if favoring a few of their financiers who own large proportions of the land, much bigger than what these farmers have. So you get that the main goal is to destroy little farmers in favor of thugs like Miskovic, if it's Serbia we are discussing.
The basic problem of modern day small farmers is the fact they are bound to loose because they are small. As they have little capital and the size of field is small, they can not apply new machinery and other measures in their field to increase productivity. They are actually living in subsidies.
The tragedy is, in most former so-called "socialist" countries, this small farmers take a big role in abolition of state run and collective farms as they want land as "private property". Now, the same system, for which they have fought are now going to uproot them.
IMO, it's an inevitable historical process and can not be stopped. I think, instead of small farmers, farm workers can be more friendly for our future and this big farms are example that if properly managed, state owned and collective farms can also be good.

[Thirsty Crow]

Yep, same here.

The state declared that they will meet all demands, and "attached" an 8 month period to pay the farmers.

What they did today was this - they kept the barricades until that last "8 months" bullshit was dropped. So, now, owners of 30 hectars and less will get their money immediately, and the rest of the money will be distributed in the next 6 months.
Yes, governments lie, but this is not the crowd to be fucked with that easily. I spent the last 5 days among them, hardly got any sleep, and there is only one thing I can conclude - if they fool them with this, there will be massive riots.

The ruling party just can't afford that just a couple of months before the elections, so I expect everything to turn out OK.

Well, for this year. The state's pressure towards small farmers and peasants will continue next year, that's for sure. It's the state's strategy, if nothing.
I agree with your conclusions, especially with the bolded part. Elections can indeed function as a guarantee of sorts that the farmers' will not be screwed over big time.
But what could happen if the new government were to "revise" the deal made with them once they get into office? I don't think that it's unrealistic, and it will be very important for the farmers' to keep themselves on top of things, and in control of their actions (what I'm getting at is that the government may try to sow disunity among them, especially with respect to the leadership of their associations).

All in all, it's great to see such militancy. Also, it's great that the prosepcts for victory, at least in short term, are here. There's two more things I wanted to ask:

1) can you describe, if you were able to perceive it, the dynamic between the leadership of farmers' organization and its rank and file

2) can you describe your own experience as a communist militant with these people. Would they react favourably (or did they do so) to certain radical ideas which we promote?

And thanks for the updates. It's absolutely disgusting that no media whatsoever covered this struggle. Not a single word, but hey, I bet that they are, here in Croatia, pretty much occupied by one religious figure who kindly decided to honor the people with his presence (and his holy aura may indeed ameliorate the effects of the economic crisis):blink::rolleyes:

[PhoenixAsh]

They are going to slash them eventually. This is part of their approach to the EU.

Fuck rights and solidarity and above all everybody who is not rich...when you can join the fucking EU and increase profits for the corporation and for big bussiness.

The Serbian people should be prepared for the fucking worst in economic reshuffeling. If its bad now its going to get worse. Austerity measures will be taken.

Attacking the farmers is the first step. It always is with the EU...the advocate of centralised profiteering.

They even went to war because of the Serbian connection and ties with Russia and its influence on the balkan region and their anti EU and NATO stance. They marginalised the country and they will continue to attack and force their views on its government and people. They even went so far to support terrorists who just a year previously were denounced as enemies of democracy and peace for Europe....to break the backbone of Serbian resistance. This may be somewhat of a severe simplification...but I think you get what I mean. There is not limit what they will do to expand their hold over Europe.

I am very pleased that the farmers went out it en masse to protest this. I am pleased it worked. I hope they will keep at it. I hope others will join.

This fucking monstrosity of a capitalist "poltical and economic union" needs to die now.

[Bandito]

1) can you describe, if you were able to perceive it, the dynamic between the leadership of farmers' organization and its rank and file

Absolutely surprising, in a good way. The Association is constructed in a very unique way, so it is a story for itself. They have the president, and have a very strict discipline. For example, all of them kept saying that they will not move from the barricades until the Association confirms the deal, and the leadership of the organization was very quiet during the protests. So, basically, they acted on their own, had autonomy over their blockades, but the only thing that could have moved them was the direct demand from their union.
On the other hand, while the Association has a president, it is very flexible. As a journalist, I was making stories about this on daily basis, so in the beginning, I was only speaking to the president. But after that, some suspicions have been raised about his involvement and possibility of corruption swam out, so we just got a fax one morning that the president is not the person for public relations any more. They switched the head of the public relations to another farmer, who was even fiercer about commentary than the president was in the early days of the blockade.
So, the way I see it, it's a highly politicized organization, with flexible hierarchy, but a very dedicated membership.


2) can you describe your own experience as a communist militant with these people. Would they react favourably (or did they do so) to certain radical ideas which we promote?

Yet another positive experience. Everything I spoke with them, they agreed. There was some petty nationalism, of course, but the methods of the mass movement, radical ideas and criticism of the state and the bourgeoisie were the subjects we agreed on 100%. I stayed in touch with many of them after this, and we are planning something together now which I shouldn't be talking about on public forums.