Farmers are staging 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 Telegraph has the story.
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 dubbed the 85-odd protests “Act II”.
Arnaud Rousseau, head of the largest farming union, the FNSEA, insisted that 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, has also pledged authorities will show “zero tolerance” towards long-lasting disruption this time.
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 30 tractors and around 100 farmers were involved.
The protests earlier this year were called off following promises from the Government – but farmers say that the pledges are yet to materialise and their woes have been compounded by poor harvests and animal diseases.
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