French farmers block roads with tractors in protest against potential EU trade deal

Agricultural activists fear livelihoods will be ruined by potential agreement between bloc and South American nations

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Farmers are staging dozens of protests across France against the possible signing of a trade deal between the European Union and four South American countries, which they fear will ruin their livelihoods.
The agricultural activists captured global attention in January and February when they blockaded Paris and pledged to “starve” the capital unless stifling EU and French norms were relaxed. This time, they have described around 85 protests as “Act II”.
Arnaud Rousseau, head of the FNSEA, the largest farming union, insisted the action would mainly involve demonstrations in front of regional state buildings and roundabouts and that the aim was “not to inconvenience the French”.
Bruno Retailleau, France’s newly-appointed interior minister, pledged that the authorities would show “zero tolerance” to long-lasting disruption.
However, other farming unions are taking more direct action, with roadblocks and bridge blockades.
In the greater Paris region, a dozen tractors blocked the N118 road at Velizy, with officials advising drivers to avoid the area.
Other roadblocks are planned on Monday afternoon in Ile-de-France on various key routes in and out of the capital.
In the southern town of Avignon, tractors blocked the Pont de l’Europe, one of the main entry points to the town. Local media reported that 30 tractors and around 100 farmers were involved.
The protests earlier this year were called off following promises from the government – but farmers say the pledges are yet to materialise and their woes have been compounded by poor harvests and animal diseases.
They have timed their protests to coincide with final talks on the EU’s proposed Mercosur deal, which aims to facilitate trade between Europe and South America by gradually eliminating nearly all customs duties on trade between the two blocs.
The EU hopes the agreement will boost exports of European goods that currently face high tariffs applied by Mercosur countries, such as cars, clothing and wine. However, French farmers say it will decimate their beef and poultry sectors.
Emmanuel Macron, the French president, pledged on Sunday to “continue to oppose” the Mercosur deal, which is backed by several other EU countries, notably Germany and Spain.
The farmers’ protests are one potential headache for Michel Barnier, the French prime minister. He is also facing a national rail Christmas strike, and parliamentary gridlock over the passing of a new budget aiming to stem France’s runaway deficit and debt.
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