'No-vote demo doesn't benefit producers'

(ANSA) -SAN GAVINO (CAGLIARI), FEBRUARY 22 - Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini on Friday said it was not in the best interest of shepherds in Sardinia to protest against low milk prices by blocking a local vote on Sunday.
    "As a minister I will guarantee freedom and the right to a transparent, peaceful and democratic vote", Salvini said.
    "I think that blocking the vote on Sunday is the last of the best interest of shepherds and producers, also because we are nearly there", Salvini said after shepherds threatened to block polling stations to protest against low prices paid by cheese-makers for their milk.
    "Over the past few days they all demonstrated commonsense, therefore I don't think anyone will do something strange on Sunday", also said the minister.
    "This is not an appeal, it is a thank you for the way shepherds have behaved over the past few days and for how they will be behaving over the next few days".
    Shepherds and producers have been pouring milk on highways and streets across Sardinia and giving away pecorino cheese close to Parliament in Rome as part of demonstrations to protest against low milk prices.