Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday that trucker-led protests against coronavirus restrictions in the capital, Ottawa, must stop, noting that they are negatively affecting the national economy and the daily lives of citizens.

These individuals are trying to block our economy, our democracy and the daily lives of our citizens. This must stop, Trudeau said, speaking to members of the federal parliament. His speech was broadcast by the Canadian media.

As the head of state noted, Ottawa residents do not deserve to be persecuted in their own neighborhoods.

In many Canadian cities, including the capital, large-scale protests against coronavirus restrictions, initiated by Canadian truckers, have continued since January 29. Trudeau changed residence amid these events for security reasons, and on Monday, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency in the city in connection with the protests.