The French government has come a long way in recent days to meet farmers’ demands. A total of around 400 million euros in aid should be provided. The two largest farmers’ associations therefore called for an end to the protests.
“It was a strong, historic mobilization that allowed us to return to the negotiating table,” said Laurent Saint-Affre of a southern French farmers’ association. After ten days of action, many farmers now need a break, according to the president of the association for young farmers, Arnaud Gaillot.
However, a left-wing farmers’ association wanted to continue demonstrating. A dozen tractors blocked a toll booth in the Lyon area on Friday afternoon. “We did not get what we asked for, namely a sufficient income,” says farmer Isaebelle Douillon.
Farmers: “Interesting promises”
The French government has made concessions in recent days, for example in the areas of aid and reducing bureaucracy. In total, around 400 million euros will flow, and another 150 million euros will go to livestock farmers. President Emmanuel Macron announced that he would advocate for French farmers at EU level. The goal is a “drastic reduction in paperwork.”
“There were interesting commitments that we are now looking closely at (…), some points still seem unclear,” says José Perez of a regional farmers’ association. In the future, there will also be a new inspection body that will check whether the import rules are being complied with. In this way, European farmers should be protected against cheap competition from abroad.
Manure spilled on public buildings
French security forces had done little to limit peasant protests in the country, although manure was sometimes dumped on public buildings. At the Rungis wholesale market near Paris, 79 people were temporarily taken into police custody (see video above).
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
