Serbian farmers use tractors to block roads in third day of protest

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Farmers in Serbia used tractors to block roads in and around the city of Novi Sad for a third straight day on Wednesday to pressure authorities to meet their demands.

They began their protest Monday in Novi Sad and quickly spread the idea to surrounding cities, calling on authorities to regulate the market for agricultural products and provide subsidies.

Farmers say they will continue their protests if their demands are not met.

Agriculture Minister Jelena Tanaskovic told the media that the farmers organized the same protests in May and that the 13 items they demanded at that time were fulfilled.

"Now they have come with new demands. I believe that these protests are political,'' said Tanaskovic.

She added that the ministry's doors are always open to farmers, but the farmers were not willing to talk.

The latest protests come ahead of snap local and parliamentary elections in Serbia on Dec. 17.