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Angry farmers: hundreds of tractors on the Champs-Élysées

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The Editor

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After several weeks of mobilization, farmers' anger continues to show itself across every corner of France. Around a hundred tractors rolled into Paris on Tuesday, January 13, at dawn, leading to blockages and tensions around the institutions. 

A rare and spectacular sight in Paris: this Tuesday, January 13, around one hundred tractors rolled into the capital as early as 6 AM. This is the second major action by farmers in Paris, who have been expressing their frustration for several weeks at various locations across France. The issue at hand: the economic crisis in the agricultural sector amid a debated management of the nodular dermatosis epidemic and rejection of the Mercosur agreement.


Hundreds of tractors on the Champs-Elysées 

The first protesters entered the capital around 6 AM this Tuesday morning, with an initial convoy of about fifteen tractors, according to Le Parisien. They came in through Porte Dauphine – following a route approved by the police prefect – and the tractors...

were escorted by police trucks and traveled through the grand avenues of Paris, including the Champs-Élysées, until they gathered in front of the National Assembly. 

More than a hundred tractors have finally joined the first convoy, proudly displaying the flags of the FNSEA (National Federation of Agricultural Workers' Unions) and Young Farmers. This operation is taking place a few days before the signing of the EU-Mercosur agreement, which will happen this Saturday in Paraguay. 


The Mercosur Treaty at the Heart of the Anger

While the show of strength is impressive, the anger has been brewing for months. Farmers are calling out an economic situation they see as untenable: according to the Rural Coordination, nearly 70% of farms are operating at a loss. On top of this, there is the heavily criticized management of the nodular skin disease epidemic affecting cattle farms. However, the main point of contention remains the proposed trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay). Agricultural unions are opposing it, fearing increased competition from imported products that are subject to lower standards.

environmental and health regulations that are less strict, not complying with EU standards. 

In response to the mobilization, trade unions are now seeking political answers and ramping up actions across the country. This weekend, ports like Le Havre, Bayonne, and La Rochelle were monitored by the unions, along with roads around Metz, Pau, Périgueux, Poitiers, Dax, and Limoges, explains Actu Paris. In response, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard stated on Monday morning, January 12, on BFMTV that « the anger of farmers runs deep, and their demands are legitimate », implying that they are being heard at the « highest levels of government ».