Cheesed-off farmers fling boots at Swiss minister

Flinging footwear has again emerged as a popular form of protest. This time the throwers were angry Swiss farmers who hurled their boots over what they say is a lack of government support for the dairy industry.

The Economy Minister came under attack as she opened a contest known as the Mountain Cheese Olympics.

Doris Leuthard refused to give her microphone to the protesters, insisting they should not be given a platform. She says she has offered to talk to find a solution but claims the farmers don’t want dialogue, preferring to demonstrate.

It is all a far cry from Baghdad where an Iraqi journalist made shoe throwing notorious by laying into George W. Bush.

The latest incident sent shockwaves through the Alpine nation as it endeavours to find the best-tasting mountain cheeses. Producers from 10 different countries are taking part.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Demonstration, Switzerland