French farmers to launch nationwide protests over EU-Mercosur trade deal concerns
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The Indian Express | 23 October 2024
French farmers to launch nationwide protests over EU-Mercosur trade deal concerns
French farmers are set to stage nationwide protests next month, as frustrations over the proposed trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur countries intensify.
France’s main farmers’ union, FNSEA, announced the action on Tuesday, amid growing discontent that has contributed to an agricultural crisis earlier this year.
The protests, driven by anger over competition from cheaper imports—including those from EU ally Ukraine—and increasing regulatory pressures on EU producers, have already sparked demonstrations across France and Europe.
Recent poor harvests due to weather conditions, livestock disease outbreaks, and political paralysis following a snap election have further exacerbated tensions among French farmers, leading to renewed local protests in recent weeks.
FNSEA president Arnaud Rousseau confirmed that nationwide protests will begin in mid-November, with the exact date and nature of the actions yet to be determined. He cited growing frustration with European policies, particularly over the potential finalisation of the Mercosur deal.
“The new factor and trigger is the renewed incoherency at European level, as shown by a barely disguised explanation that we are going to end up signing the Mercosur deal,” Rousseau stated.
Earlier protests in January and February saw farmers blocking roads with tractors and setting fire to bales of hay. According to sources cited by Reuters in September, negotiations between the EU and Mercosur seemed close to a positive conclusion, with Brazil indicating it is prepared to sign the agreement in November when it hosts a summit of major economies.
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French farmers are concerned that a deal with the South American trade bloc would lead to an influx of cheaper agricultural products that do not adhere to EU production standards. French President Emmanuel Macron has consistently opposed finalising such a trade deal.
(with inputs from Reuters)
