Catalan Farmers End C-16 Highway Blockade After President's Support

Farmers in central Catalonia have ended their five-day blockade of the C-16 highway between Gironella and Berga after hearing public support from Catalan President Salvador Illa for commitments made by Agriculture Minister Òscar Ordeig.

Around 100 farmers and livestock breeders, who began the protest on Thursday, decided to lift the roadblock on Thursday evening following a meeting between the farmers' guild and Illa. The C-16 serves as a key route from Barcelona and the metropolitan area toward the Pyrenees, including Andorra via the Cadí Tunnel. While the action caused delays for drivers heading to or from the Principality, it did not directly impact Andorra unlike recent French farmers' blockades at Pas de la Casa.

The protesters listened to Illa's nighttime statement by campfires amid cold weather. Some whistles and shouts of disapproval broke out during his address, where he backed Ordeig's pledges to the agrarian sector. Guillem Solà, spokesperson for Revolta Pagesa in Osona, acknowledged the declaration met their requests but fell short of expectations after five days of street protests.

"The declaration was what we asked for, but it was not up to the circumstances after having people on the street for five days," Solà said. He stressed that farmers keep their word, having promised to end the blockade if Illa made such statements. The group began dismantling their camp and equipment shortly after.

The farmers have given the Catalan government three weeks to deliver results on the agreed points. Solà warned of renewed mobilizations if commitments go unmet, coinciding with Revolta Pagesa's third anniversary. "It will be a good opportunity to join forces and keep pressing for solutions," he added.