Farmers push back as EU-MERCOSUR trade deal heads to vote
(VOVWORLD) - French farmers forced their way into central Paris with 100 tractors on Thursday to protest the EU’s intention to sign the MERCOSUR free trade agreement with South American nations.
 Members of CRS police stand guard next to tractors near the Eiffel Tower, as French farmers protest against the government's handling of the EU-MERCOSUR free trade agreement in Paris, France, January 8, 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes) |
They later gathered in front of the National Assembly, which was placed under tight security monitoring.
Another protest took place near Bordeaux, where 40 agricultural vehicles blocked the entrance to a fuel depot. Protesters said the agreement would create unfair competition, putting domestic farm produce under pressure from a wave of cheap goods from South America.
French farmers also opposed the government’s proposal to cull livestock in response to the spread of lumpy skin disease in cattle.
French Minister of Agriculture Annie Genevard acknowledged that the farmers’ demands are legitimate, and called on all parties to remain calm and engage in dialogue.
EU member states will vote on the free trade agreement between the EU and the Southern Common Market on Friday. If it passes, it will be signed next week.