VALLETTA (Reuters) - Farmers in Malta staging a demonstration on Friday against EU agricultural policies as part of Europe-wide protests were surprised when Prime Minister Robert Abela turned up in person to hear their complaints.
The farmers drove tractors and trucks from a vegetable market in the centre of the tiny Mediterranean island to Floriana, a town near the capital Valletta, waving banners and placards that accused the EU of "killing its own farmers".
"No farmers, no food, no future," read one placard attached to a tractor.
Farmers have also protested in several European capitals and blocked streets in Brussels on Thursday while EU leaders were holding a meeting there.
On Friday farmers blocked the Dutch-Belgian border and occupied roads in Greece, though French farmers started lifting their blockades after the government in Paris made concessions.
Persons:
Robert Abela, Christopher Scicluna, Gareth Jones
Organizations:
Reuters, Farmers, European Union
Locations:
VALLETTA, Malta, Europe, Floriana, Valletta, Brussels, Belgian, Greece, Paris