French Farmers Protest Against Mercosur Trade Deal Amid Rising Discontent
Rising Farmer Protests in France
French farmers took to the streets on Monday in response to growing discontent over the potential Mercosur trade deal between the European Union and South American countries. The deal, which is expected to be finalized by the end of the year, has reignited anger in France, particularly due to fears of increased foreign competition.
- Continued Frustration: The protests echo the frustrations of last winter, when farmers across Europe voiced concern over a surge in imports from Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. In France, the situation has worsened due to a series of rain-hit harvests, livestock disease outbreaks, and delays in promised government actions following earlier protests.
- Farmer’s Demands: Armelle Fraiture, a dairy farmer north of Paris, stated, “We have the same demands as in January, nothing has changed.” Farmers are demanding the government take further action to address the crisis, as they face cheaper imports, high regulations, and poor incomes.
Mercosur Deal Stokes Fears of Increased Competition
The proposed trade agreement with Mercosur, a bloc of South American nations including Brazil and Argentina, threatens to intensify competition for French farmers, particularly in the sectors of beef, chicken, sugar, and maize.
- Concerns Over Standards: Farmers argue that the Mercosur deal will flood European markets with products that use pesticides and growth antibiotics banned in Europe. These fears are particularly strong for the livestock sector, where French farmers worry about losing market share to cheaper imports from Brazil and Argentina.
- Rising Financial Struggles: Arnaud Rousseau, head of France’s main farmers’ union (FNSEA), highlighted the dire financial state of tens of thousands of French farms, adding that a Mercosur deal would be a “bitter ‘cherry on the cake.'”
Protests and Government Response
Farmers are planning rallies across the country, with protests scheduled to continue until mid-December. In the lead-up to the main demonstrations, a group of farmers blocked part of a highway near Paris on Sunday evening, displaying slogans such as “Let’s not import the agriculture that we don’t want.”
- President Macron’s Opposition: President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated his opposition to the deal as it is currently proposed. However, with France struggling to find allies within the EU for its position, and with rural grievances running deep, the government may face challenges in placating the protesting farmers.
