"German Farmers Stage Tractor Blockades in Protest Against Diesel Tax Break Cuts"

German farmers are staging protests and blocking roads with tractors in response to the government's plan to eliminate tax breaks on diesel used in agriculture. The government has partially backed down on the plan, but the farmers are demanding a full reversal and have launched a week of action. The protests have caused disruptions, including blocking access to a Volkswagen auto plant and gathering in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The government's budget revamp, which included the disputed cuts, was prompted by a court decision annulling funds meant for COVID-19 fallout to be repurposed for climate change measures. Additionally, travelers in Germany face a nearly three-day strike by a union representing train drivers later this week.