French farmers have rolled into Paris on tractors to protest against a free trade deal with South American nations, which they fear will create unfair competition. The demonstration, organized by the Rural Confederation union, saw dozens of tractors arrive in the city before dawn, with some reaching the Eiffel Tower and others gathering at the Arc de Triomphe. The farmers are concerned that the EU-Mercosur deal will lead to a flow of cheaper goods from Brazil and its neighbors, undercutting their own products.
The EU-Mercosur deal aims to create the world’s largest free-trade area, facilitating the export of vehicles, machinery, wines, and spirits from the European Union to Latin America. However, farmers in France and other European countries are worried about the potential impact on their livelihoods. In addition to the trade deal, the farmers are also protesting against the government’s handling of an outbreak of lumpy skin disease, a viral disease that has led to the slaughter of over 3,000 cattle in France.
Similar protests have been held in other parts of France, with farmers blocking roads and dumping garbage in front of government offices. The demonstrations have also spread to other countries, with Belgian farmers staging a mass protest against the trade deal in Brussels last month. The French government has met with farmers to discuss their concerns, but the protesters are demanding more decisive action to protect their interests.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by farmers in the European Union as they navigate the complexities of international trade and disease outbreaks. The EU-Mercosur deal has been years in the making, but its implementation is still pending, and the protests in France and other countries may yet influence its outcome. As the farmers continue to push for greater protection and support, the French government will need to balance their concerns with the broader economic and trade interests of the country.
