French farmers launched a new wave of action on Monday to protest the approval of a trade deal between the European Union and four South American countries that they fear would endanger their livelihoods.
Paris is leading the opposition to ratification of the trade deal with the Mercosur bloc of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, which would create the world’s largest free trade zone.
On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron defended France’s opposition to the proposed blockbuster deal during a visit to Argentine Javier Milei ahead of a G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro. He said France “continues to oppose” the trade deal.
On Monday, angry French farmers used tractors to block roads and erected wooden crosses during protests across the country, urging Macron and the government to do more.
“Stop promises, start actions,” read a sign unfurled along a road in the southeastern town of Le Cannet-des-Maures.
“Macron, your agriculture is dying and you are looking elsewhere,” read another banner.
Local farmers also placed a cross next to a fake gallows with the message “French agriculture in danger”.
In the eastern city of Lyon, farmers tore down municipal signs and placed them on the steps of a museum.
Speaking to broadcaster Europe 1, Yohann Barbe, spokesman for the FNSEA, France’s largest farmers’ union, said the scale of the protests would be “unprecedented”.
“Farmers are still as irritated as ever by a government that drags its feet.”
The new wave of demonstrations came after farmers across Europe, including France, staged sustained protests earlier this year over a long list of charges they say are cutting into incomes.
Life is tough for French farmers, who complain of excessive bureaucracy, low incomes and poor harvests.
The proposed trade pact has sparked fresh anger as farmers fear any deal would open European markets to cheaper meat and produce that is not forced to adhere to strict rules on pesticides, hormones, land use and environmental measures.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned farmers on Sunday that there would be ‘zero tolerance’ in the event of ‘permanent’ roadblocks.
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