Farmers in France drove about 100 tractors into central Paris to oppose the European Union’s plan to sign the Mercosur Free Trade Agreement with South American countries. Despite police blockades, some tractors reached iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. The protest, organized by the Rural Coordination union, aimed to pressure the French government against the trade deal with Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia.
The French Interior Ministry confirmed that approximately 20 tractors made it to Paris’s city center, with a few parked near the Arc de Triomphe while others demonstrated in front of the Eiffel Tower. The ministry noted that protesters breached police barriers, although most tractors were halted at key traffic points marking the city’s boundaries. Following the demonstration, the A13 motorway leading to Paris was closed from early morning.
In response to the protests, the French government faced criticism over its handling of sanitary measures for lumpy skin disease in cattle. Farmers also blocked access to the DPA oil depot in Bassens to express their discontent. The EU recently resumed internal discussions on the trade agreement, fueling speculation about a potential signing in Paraguay soon. French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard reiterated the country’s opposition, citing concerns about the impact on various agricultural sectors.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani voiced support for the EU’s trade deal with Mercosur, emphasizing the significant benefits it could bring. He praised the EU’s efforts to assist farmers, as EU agriculture ministers deliberated before an upcoming vote on the agreement. Tajani underscored Italy’s consistent stance in favor of the deal, emphasizing the importance of addressing agricultural sector concerns to ensure fair market access and protection for vulnerable industries.
