Italian farmers storm Rome's Circus Maximus in latest protest

More than a thousand farmers have stormed into Rome's historic chariot-racing stadium along with driving tractors in their prolonged campaigns that have resonated throughout various European capitals.

The agitated farmers invaded the iconic Circus Maximus on Thursday to voice their complaints over falling incomes and rising costs.

A fraction out of the demonstrating population also assembled near prime minister Giorgia Meloni's Palazzo Chigi offices.

Their complaints vary from the price of fuel to environmental regulations imposed by the European Union in an effort to combat climate change, which they argue are negatively impacting their means of living.

Different farmer groups have been staging small protests since early January from Sicily to Turin, complaining of falling incomes and rising costs.

Meloni convened a round-table discussion on Friday with Italian farmers' associations, during which she pledged to restore a restricted tax exemption that had been temporarily halted by her conservative administration.

In light of the widespread protests throughout the European Union leading up to the European Parliament elections this summer, the European Commission has made several concessions in recent weeks.

These concessions encompass an extension of the exemption on regulations regarding leaving a portion of agricultural lands fallow, which was a specific request from Italy's farmers.

Additionally, the commission has decided to abandon its intentions to reduce pesticide usage in agriculture.

Last week on Thursday, Italian farmers staged a similar protest against the European Union and national agricultural policies, along with storming the capital with tractors.

Widespread demonstrations have taken place across various EU nations as part of Europe-wide rallies against stringent regulations and escalating inflation.

SS