French farmers forced their way into central Paris on Thursday with around 100 tractors, staging a high-profile protest against the European Union’s plan to finalize a free trade agreement with Mercosur nations.
Despite police blockades, convoys of farm vehicles reached landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, while others were stopped at the city’s limits. The Interior Ministry said about 20 tractors managed to enter the capital, “bypassing and forcing their way” through barriers. The demonstrations also shut down the A13 motorway in the direction of Paris early in the morning, causing major traffic disruption.
The protest was organized by the Rural Coordination union, which argues the deal with Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay would devastate French agriculture by flooding the market with cheaper imports. “We wanted to bring our demands closer to those who have the power,” said José Perez, the union’s president in Lot-et-Garonne, calling the action “a strong symbol.”
Farmers also voiced anger over government sanitary measures to contain lumpy skin disease in cattle, which they say add to mounting pressures. Near Bordeaux, around 40 farm vehicles blocked access to the DPA oil depot in Bassens on Wednesday night, according to local authorities.
The EU resumed internal negotiations on the Mercosur agreement this week, with speculation that a signing ceremony could take place in Paraguay next Monday. Supporters, including Germany, argue the pact would strengthen trade ties with Latin America, while opponents — led by France and Poland — warn it threatens domestic farming and undermines climate commitments.
French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard reaffirmed France’s opposition on Wednesday, saying the deal poses “a direct threat” to beef, chicken, sugar, ethanol and honey production. Italy has also raised concerns, seeking a freeze on carbon border taxes for fertilisers.
Rural Coordination has called for further demonstrations outside the National Assembly as part of a nationwide protest movement. Authorities have deployed a heavy police presence around central Paris landmarks to prevent further disruption.
