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French Farmers Storm Paris with Tractors to Protest EU-Mercosur Trade Deal

French farmers drove approximately 100 tractors into central Paris, bypassing police barriers to protest near landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. The demonstration, organized by the Rural Coordination union, opposes the impending EU-Mercosur free trade agreement with South American nations, which farmers fear will devastate their livelihoods. The protest caused significant disruption, including the closure of a major motorway into the city. While French officials reaffirm their opposition to the deal, other EU members like Italy advocate for its passage, highlighting a deep division within the bloc.

Key Points: French Farmers Protest EU-Mercosur Deal in Paris

  • Farmers bypassed police blockades
  • Protest targets EU-Mercosur trade pact
  • Deal threatens agricultural sectors
  • Internal EU negotiations ongoing
  • Motorways shut down due to protests
2 min read

France: Farmers storm Paris with tractors to protest against EU-Mercosur FTA

French farmers drive tractors into central Paris, protesting the EU-Mercosur trade agreement they say threatens their livelihoods.

"Italy has never changed its position. - Antonio Tajani"

Paris, Jan 8

Farmers in France on Thursday stormed into central Paris with around 100 tractors to protest the European Union's intention to sign the Mercosur Free Trade Agreement with South American nations. The protesters bypassed police blockades to reach prominent sites like the Eiffel Tower.

The French Interior Ministry said about 20 tractors reached the city centre in Paris, with some parking them near the Arc de Triomphe and others protesting in front of the Eiffel Tower, Euro News reported. The ministry stated that the protesters "bypassed and forced their way" through police barriers while majority of tractors were stopped at major traffic arteries marking the city's limits.

Following the protests, the A13 motorway was shut in the direction of Paris from 5:53 am (local time). The protest was organised by the Rural Coordination union to pressurise French government, as it opposes the trade deal with Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia. French farmers stated the agreement would cause damage to their livelihoods.

Farmers are also irked over government's sanitary measures to control lumpy skin disease in cattle. According to the Gironde prefecture, around 40 farm vehicles blocked access to the DPA oil depot in Bassens on Wednesday from 10 pm (local time).

Euro News reported that recently, the EU renewed internal negotiations over the trade agreement, with speculation that a trade deal could be signed in Paraguay next week. On Wednesday, French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard reiterated France's opposition to the agreement, stressing that the pact threatens chicken, beef, sugar, ethanol and honey production.

Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Wednesday that an EU trade deal with Mercosur would bring "enormous benefits." He welcomed EU's new measures to support farmers as EU agriculture ministers held crunch talks before a vote on the agreement expected later this week, France 24 reported.

In a statement, Tajani said, "Italy has never changed its position." He stated that Italy has backed the conclusion of the deal, stressing the need to consider the legitimate concerns of the agricultural sectors so that markets are opened with appropriate safeguards for the benefit of the most exposed production sectors.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Tractors near the Eiffel Tower! 😲 While I understand their frustration, blocking major roads and forcing past police seems extreme. There must be a better way to negotiate. In India, farmer protests are also long and difficult, but dialogue is key. Hope the EU listens to their genuine concerns about livelihoods.
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Aditya G
This is a classic case of globalization vs local interests. Italy's minister talks of "enormous benefits," but for whom? Corporations and traders, not the small farmer. We face the same issue. Free trade agreements often sacrifice agriculture at the altar of industry and services. Solidarity with the French farmers.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see this perspective from Europe. Often we think of Indian farmers protesting, but the challenges are global. Sanitary measures, cheap imports, threats to local produce – it's the same story everywhere. Hope a balanced solution is found that doesn't cripple European agriculture.
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Vikram M
With respect, while I support their cause, the method of storming Paris with tractors and blocking depots will hurt public sentiment. It disrupts daily life for common people. In a democracy, protests should be strong but not destructive to the public's convenience. The French government should engage with them seriously without such drama.
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Karthik V
The article mentions lumpy skin disease too. Animal health is a major concern! If the trade deal doesn't have strict sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, it could risk animal and plant health in Europe. This isn't just about economics, it's about food safety and biosecurity. The farmers are right to be worried.

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