French farmers, protesting a sweeping trade deal the European Union is set to sign with South American nations, used tractors on Thursday to blockade major roads leading into Paris and surround landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe.
Protests in Paris were initiated by farmers from the right-wing Coordination Rurale union.
They fear that the proposed free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc will lead to the European Union being inundated with low-cost food imports, according to a Reuters report.
The protesters’ demands centred on three main issues, including opposition to high costs and excessive local regulation, and the cessation of what they deemed an excessive government policy of culling cattle herds in response to a highly contagious disease.
Political pressure mounts
Driving past police checkpoints, the farmers successfully entered the city before dawn, according to the report.
They drove along the Champs Elysees avenue, temporarily blocking the road near the Arc de Triomphe, before converging in front of the National Assembly.
Coordination Rurale protesters booed and jostled National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet as she emerged from the assembly’s gates to speak with them.
Ahead of the morning rush hour, dozens of tractors blocked highways leading into the capital, the transport minister reported.
This disruption, including on the A13 from the western suburbs and Normandy into Paris, caused traffic jams stretching 150 km.
A calm demonstration at the Eiffel Tower was later joined by farmers from the FNSEA and young farmers’ unions.
“We’re going to import products from the rest of the world that don’t meet our standards – that’s not possible, that’s unacceptable. So we’re staying mobilised, we’re carrying on,” Arnaud Rousseau, president of the FNSEA farm union, commented on the Mercosur deal, according to reports.
The trade accord faces a key vote by EU member states tomorrow, and this latest protest intensifies the existing pressure on President Emmanuel Macron and his administration.
Given the lack of a parliamentary majority, any mistake in policy could trigger a dangerous vote of no confidence against Macron’s government in the chamber.
Vote regarding Mercosur anticipated for Friday
The trade deal presents a political challenge for the French government, despite Paris securing substantial concessions at the last minute.
France has historically been a strong opponent of the agreement. With municipal elections scheduled for March and the far right gaining significant support ahead of the 2027 election to succeed Macron, the deal is politically sensitive.
According to government spokesperson Maud Bregeon, as reported on France Info radio:
This treaty is still not acceptable.
French Farm Minister Annie Genevard announced on Wednesday that France would persist in opposing the accord within the European Parliament, even if the agreement gains support from EU member states.
The agreement’s entry into force is contingent upon the Parliament’s approval.
The European Commission recently took steps to appease wavering Mercosur supporters, proposing to expedite the allocation of €45 billion in EU funds for farmers in the bloc’s upcoming seven-year budget.
Additionally, the Commission agreed to reduce import duties on specific fertilisers.
The Commission is closer to securing Italy’s support for the trade deal, which is already backed by countries including Germany and Spain.
If Rome approves the deal, the EU would have sufficient votes to pass the trade accord, even without France’s endorsement.
The accord is expected to be voted on this Friday.
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