Background and Context
French farmers took to the streets of Paris on Thursday, driving tractors in protest against the imminent signing of a trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc, despite warnings from the government that deemed their action “illegal.”
The European Union Council could adopt this agreement, negotiated since 1999 with Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay, on Friday. This would allow the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to sign it on Monday. France’s rejection notwithstanding, the agreement could create the world’s largest free trade area.
Farmers’ Concerns
The agricultural sector in Europe fears the impact of a massive influx of South American products like beef, rice, honey, and soybeans, in exchange for European vehicles and machinery exports to Mercosur countries. Pascal, a French farmer from central France, expressed concern about the less restrictive and more competitive production norms in Mercosur, stating, “There won’t be any reason for our young people to settle on farms because it won’t be viable anymore.”
Protest Details
Following a call from the Coordination Rural, France’s second-largest agricultural union known for its strong actions, convoys of farmers entered Paris early in the morning on tractors to protest at iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.
Their goal was to meet with the Presidents of the National Assembly (lower house), Yaël Braun-Pivet, and the Senate, Gérard Larcher. However, authorities had previously prohibited tractor access to areas like those around Parliament on Wednesday evening.
Damien Cornier, a 49-year-old farmer from northwestern France, clarified their intentions: “We’re not here to cause trouble; we just want to work and make a living from our profession.” Both Braun-Pivet, who was heckled by farmers, and Larcher began meeting with representatives from the main agricultural unions in the afternoon. Diputados and even the Minister of Agriculture, Annie Genevard, also engaged in conversations with the protesters.
Historical Context of Protests
Since the winter of 2024, farmers have conducted annual protests during this colder season when fieldwork is minimal. They demand relief from production standards and simplified administrative procedures.
This year, their concerns include the government’s management of bovine nodular dermatosis, an animal disease. The government mandates culling when a case is confirmed and opposes national-level vaccination.
“Illegal” Action
The protest began tensely, with some farmers evading security checkpoints to enter Paris. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon described their action as “illegal.”
According to the latest Interior Ministry report, 46 tractors are in Paris and 63 outside the city, along with 670 protesters. Numerous tractors were reportedly blocked in the Paris region and taken to storage.
Broader French Agricultural Protests
Beyond Paris, French farmers, especially from the Coordination Rural, have been blocking roads in southwestern and eastern France, as well as fuel depots.
Political Pressure and Opposition
The French government faces opposition from the entire political class regarding this free trade agreement with Mercosur.
Conservative leader Bruno Retailleau threatened a “motion of censure” if France agrees to the Mercosur deal. Although President Emmanuel Macron managed to block the agreement’s signing in December with crucial support from Italy, Rome might now approve it following new concessions by Brussels to European farmers.
Upcoming Protests
The FNSEA, France’s largest agricultural union, announced a demonstration on January 20 in Strasbourg, home to one of the European Parliament’s seats, should the EU-Mercosur agreement be signed.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the EU-Mercosur trade agreement? It’s a proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay) that has been under negotiation since 1999.
- Why are French farmers protesting? They fear the influx of cheaper South American agricultural products, like beef and soybeans, which could negatively impact their livelihoods due to less restrictive production norms in Mercosur countries.
- What is the current status of the agreement? The European Union Council could adopt this agreement on Friday, potentially allowing the President of the European Commission to sign it on Monday despite France’s rejection.
- What other protests are happening in France? French farmers, particularly from the Coordination Rural, have been blocking roads and fuel depots across southwestern and eastern France.
- What is the political landscape surrounding this agreement? The French government faces opposition from the entire political class, with conservative leader Bruno Retailleau threatening a “motion of censures” if France agrees to the Mercosur deal.
- What are the upcoming protests by French farmers? The FNSEA, France’s largest agricultural union, has announced a demonstration on January 20 in Strasbourg if the EU-Mercosur agreement is signed.
