Convoys of French farmers began mobilizing on Sunday, aiming to block roads around Paris in protest against what they describe as unfair competition from imports and burdensome regulations.
France, the EU’s largest agricultural producer, saw widespread farmer-led protests at the start of 2024, though the demonstrations tapered off as the year progressed. However, last month’s announcement of a preliminary free trade agreement between the EU and South American Mercosur nations has reignited opposition among French farmers.
In addition to opposing the Mercosur deal, farmers continue to voice frustration over regulations they claim are eroding their profits. The demonstrations precede a January 13 meeting with French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou and upcoming agricultural chamber elections, where the Coordination Rurale union seeks to strengthen its position against its main competitor, the National Federation of Farmers’ Unions.
Farmers Blocked Amid Protest Push
Despite attempts to reach Paris and Lyon, farmers were blocked by law enforcement, causing widespread disruptions, according to Le Parisien.
Tractor convoys from across France have been attempting to reach Paris since Sunday, but as of Monday morning, none had arrived in the capital.
“We are still stuck at the same point as yesterday,” said Patrick Legras, the union’s spokesperson.
Tractors were spotted in areas such as Rambouillet, Orveau, Meaux, and along the RN4 highway east of Paris, where police barricades caused delays even for private vehicles.
A convoy of 15 tractors from Bourgogne-Franche-Comté traveled through the night, attempting to avoid authorities. Despite taking alternate routes, they were intercepted on the D1004 near Fontenay-Trésigny, creating a slow-moving “operation escargot” that severely disrupted Monday morning traffic.
The Coordination Rurale union expressed frustration at being denied a meeting with Bayrou. Christian Convers, the union’s secretary-general, stated that he had contacted Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and the Prime Minister’s office to request a designated protest site in Paris.
The EU-Mercosur negotiations, initiated in 2000, have progressed in fits and starts. The resulting comprehensive agreement addresses tariffs, rules of origin, technical barriers to trade, intellectual property, and other trade-related issues.
