Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Macron Calls for Christmas Truce in Farmer Protests
Farmers in France are protesting because they are upset about how the government is handling a disease in cows and a trade deal with South American countries.
They have been blocking roads and throwing things like manure and potatoes.
The government asked them to stop for Christmas, but some farmers said they will only stop if the prime minister answers their questions.
The prime minister is supposed to send a letter with answers, and then the farmers will decide what to do.
The government said they will not allow more blockades.
Some farmer groups might stop protesting for Christmas, but others might not.
Farmers protested in front of President Macron's residence, placing a coffin labeled 'RIP Agri' and 'NO Mercosur'.
The French government called for a Christmas truce with protesting farmers, warning against further blockades.
Farmers are protesting against the government's policy on lumpy skin disease and the EU-Mercosur trade deal.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is meeting with farm unions and committed to sending a letter with answers to their demands.
Some farmer unions may observe a Christmas truce, but others may continue protests.
- Who
- French farmers, French government, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, FNSEA Chairman Arnaud Rousseau, Young Farmers union President Pierrick Horel, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard
- What
- Farmer protests, government calls for Christmas truce, discussions on agricultural issues
- When
- December 19
- Where
- Paris, Le Touquet, Avignon, France
- Why
- Protest against government's management of lumpy skin disease and EU-Mercosur trade deal
- Key Figures
- Emmanuel Macron, Sebastien Lecornu, Arnaud Rousseau, Pierrick Horel, Annie Genevard
- Location
- Paris, Le Touquet, Avignon, France
- Date
- December 19
- Issue
- Farmer protests, EU-Mercosur trade deal, lumpy skin disease
- Protest Actions
- Blocking roads, dumping manure, throwing potatoes, placing a coffin
- Government Response
- Called for Christmas truce, threatened to stop blockades
- Union Response
- Depends on prime minister's response, some may observe truce
- Expected Action
- Prime minister to send letter with answers to demands