Farmers block highways around Paris to protest government policies, EU regulations

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – Farmers on Monday blocked the highways around the French capital to protest government's agricultural policies and the EU regulations, according to media reports.

Following Prime Minister Gabriel Attal's announcements last Friday, some farmers preferred to end their demonstrations and clear the highways they blocked, particularly in southwestern France. However, other groups opted to expand the protests across the country.

Farmers on nearly 800 tractors started arriving at the eight targeted highways around Paris, approximately at 2:00 p.m. (1300GMT), the daily Le Figaro reported.

President Emmanuel Macron scheduled a meeting with several ministers in the afternoon to discuss the situation, according to the report.

Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau vowed Monday to announce new measures in the next 48 hours, broadcaster BFMTV said.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Sunday that 15,000 police officers would be deployed to ensure security and make sure that tractors do not drive inside the capital Paris, and other big cities.

Last Friday, Gabriel Attal in a meeting with protesting farmers, dropped the government's plans to progressively increase the tax on agricultural fuels by €0.03 ($0.03) per year until 2030.

He also vowed to drastically simplify administrative procedures.

The country's Egalim law, which aims to protect farmers' income in negotiations with industry and supermarkets, was another point of contention for the protesting farmers.

Attal promised to ensure that the law is respected, to exert maximum pressure in commercial negotiations, and to heavily sanction enterprises that refuse to comply.

The premier also promised to distribute aid for financial emergencies quickly.

Attal's statements divided the farmers.

The farmers demand better wages, simplified administration, no new bans on pesticides, an end to tractor fuel price hikes, and better compensation after disasters.

They are also contesting the rising pressure of EU regulations.

Protests began two weeks ago as demonstrators blocked highways in southwestern France.

Other European countries, including Germany and Romania, were jolted in recent weeks by protests from farmers who have criticized EU regulations, including the Green Deal and the Common Agricultural Policy.

The EU’s Green Deal program, announced in 2019, aims to achieve climate neutrality and zero carbon emissions in the EU by 2050.