French farmers protested near Paris against the Mercosur trade deal, demanding fairer pay and decrying threats to rural livelihoods, while police blocked their convoys from entering the city.
Farmers from France's second-largest agricultural union, Coordination Rurale, protested near Paris on Monday against the Mercosur trade deal and demanded fairer compensation for their produce.
Their attempts to reach Paris and Lyon were blocked by law enforcement, causing widespread disruptions, according to Le Parisien.
The protests come ahead of a 13th of January meeting with French Prime Minister François Bayrou and elections for agricultural chambers, where the union seeks to challenge the National Federation of Farmers' Unions.
Since Sunday, tractor convoys from across France tried to converge on Paris but were halted by police. Tractors were reported in areas like Rambouillet, Meaux, and the RN4 highway, where even private vehicles faced delays. A convoy from Bourgogne-Franche-Comté attempted alternate routes but was intercepted near Fontenay-Trésigny, creating a "snail operation" that disrupted Monday traffic.
The union voiced frustration over being denied a meeting with Prime Minister Bayrou. Christian Convers, the union’s secretary-general, said they had sought approval for a designated protest site but were ignored.
Read next
15:57
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
02:30
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said Monday that Brussels is committed to reaching a “constructive” trade agreement with the US.
23:56
European shares started the week positively on Monday, recovering losses from the previous session after U.S. President Donald Trump postponed his plan to impose a 50% tariff on European goods.
19:57
The European Union has rejected Russia’s request to open WTO consultations over its carbon border tariff, saying talks are not possible due to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
15:46
World News
The European Union has warned fast-fashion giant Shein to comply with consumer protection laws or face possible fines, intensifying scrutiny of the online retailer’s business practices.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment