"Train Strikes and Farmer Protests Bring Germany to a Standstill"

Germany faces massive disruption as train drivers' union GDL initiates a nearly three-day strike, causing near standstill in train travel across the country, while disgruntled farmers block motorway slip roads and snarl traffic with their tractors in protest against government plans to scrap tax breaks on diesel used in agriculture. The strike coincides with an unrelated one-week strike by farmers, leading to widespread traffic jams and disruptions, including the stoppage of production at a Volkswagen car plant. The government's plans to abolish tax exemptions for farming vehicles and diesel tax breaks have sparked nationwide farmers' protests, adding to the country's ailing economy's turbulent start to the year.