Thousands Protest Against Macro-Projects in Euskadi with Tractors

A large demonstration in Vitoria-Gasteiz calls for the defense of the territory against industrial projects prioritizing economic profit.

Thousands of people and dozens of tractors gathered in a large public square in Euskadi, protesting against large-scale industrial projects.
IA

Thousands of people and dozens of tractors gathered in a large public square in Euskadi, protesting against large-scale industrial projects.

Bilbao Square in Vitoria-Gasteiz was filled this past Saturday afternoon with thousands of people and dozens of tractors protesting against the proliferation of industrial infrastructures in rural areas.

Under the slogan "Lurra defenda dezagun! Makroproiekturik ez!" (Let's defend the land! No to macro-projects!), the event gathered thousands of attendees, notably featuring dozens of tractors from the primary sector.
This protest continues recent years' marches, gaining around 200 institutional and collective endorsements from across Euskal Herria. Additionally, 7,200 new objections were filed this week to halt these installations.
Organizers denounced large-scale industrial projects threatening the territory, specifically naming the High-Speed Train, macro wind and photovoltaic plants, high-voltage power lines, large data centers, biomethanization plants, and the expansion of quarries and the airport.
Protesters argue these initiatives solely serve the economic profitability of large corporations and investment funds, privatizing natural resources and displacing rural life projects in Araba.
Criticism was particularly directed at institutions for "favoring market interests over the agricultural value of the valleys." Collectives specifically censured the Territorial Sectoral Plan for Renewable Energies and attacked the Basque Energy Agency's acceleration plan for allocating 80 million euros of public funds to these companies.
The groups called for mutual aid among affected territories, recalling that citizen mobilization has previously succeeded in halting some macro-projects and reaffirming their commitment to continued resistance.