French farmers drove tractors into central Paris to protest the European Union’s proposed Mercosur free trade agreement, warning it threatens their livelihoods and domestic agriculture.
Paris: Farmers in France staged a high-profile protest in Paris on Thursday, driving tractors into the city centre to oppose the European Union’s plans to sign a free trade agreement with Mercosur nations in South America. The demonstration, organised by the Rural Coordination union, saw protesters breach police blockades and reach symbolic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
According to the French Interior Ministry, around 20 tractors managed to enter central Paris, while the majority were halted at key entry points around the capital. Authorities said protesters “bypassed and forced their way” through police barriers, prompting heightened security measures. The A13 motorway leading into Paris was temporarily shut from early morning following the disruption.
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The farmers oppose the EU-Mercosur FTA involving Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia, arguing that it would expose French agriculture to unfair competition from lower-cost imports. They fear the deal would severely impact sectors such as beef, poultry, sugar, ethanol and honey, undermining domestic producers already struggling with rising costs and strict regulatory standards.
Beyond trade concerns, farmers also expressed anger over government-imposed sanitary measures aimed at controlling lumpy skin disease in cattle. In a related protest on Wednesday night, around 40 farm vehicles blocked access to an oil depot in Bassens, western France, according to local authorities.
The protests come amid renewed EU negotiations on the Mercosur agreement, with reports suggesting a potential signing could take place in Paraguay next week. French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard has reiterated France’s opposition, stating that the deal poses serious risks to key agricultural sectors.
However, divisions remain within the EU. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the agreement would bring “enormous benefits” and reaffirmed Italy’s support, while acknowledging the need for safeguards to protect vulnerable agricultural producers. EU agriculture ministers are holding critical talks ahead of an expected vote on the agreement later this week.
The tractor protest underscores growing tensions across Europe as farmers increasingly mobilise against trade policies they believe threaten rural livelihoods and food security.
Published: 08 Jan 2026, 09:03 pm IST
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