Archive · 9 Jan 2026
French Farmers Protest Mercosur Trade Deal
French farmers are very upset and drove their tractors to Paris to protest.
They blocked roads and went to famous places like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
They are protesting because they don't like a big trade deal between Europe and South America.
They think this deal will bring in too much cheap food and hurt their businesses.
They are also angry about how the government is handling a sickness in cows.
The farmers want the government to stop killing cows and use vaccines instead.
The protest is causing big traffic jams in Paris.
The European Union is trying to make farmers happy by giving them more money, but the farmers are still not satisfied.
France and Ireland will vote against the deal, but Italy supports it, so the deal might still pass.
French farmers protested in Paris, blocking roads and reaching landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.
Protesters are angry about the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, fearing it will flood the EU with cheap food imports that do not meet EU standards.
Farmers also oppose the government's handling of lumpy skin disease in cattle, demanding vaccination over culling.
The protest caused significant traffic disruptions, with 150km of traffic jams reported.
France and Ireland will vote against the agreement, but Italy supports it, making adoption likely.
- Who
- French farmers and the French government
- What
- Protest against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement and government handling of cattle disease
- When
- January 8, 2024
- Where
- Paris, France, including the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, and Arc de Triomphe
- Why
- Anger against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, government's handling of lumpy skin disease in cattle, economic decline, and environmental regulations
Farmers and French Government
European Commission
Mercosur Trade Deal
Farmers and French Government
Oppose the deal, fearing it will flood the EU with cheap food imports that do not meet EU standards.
European Commission
Support the deal, which includes safeguard measures and increased market access for EU farmers.
Cattle Disease Handling
Farmers and French Government
Demand vaccination over culling of cattle affected by lumpy skin disease.
European Commission
Implement culling to prevent the spread of the disease, with vaccination campaigns in affected regions.
- Location
- Paris, France
- Date
- January 8, 2024
- Protesters
- French farmers
- Key Locations
- Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe
- Issues
- EU-Mercosur trade agreement, cattle disease handling, economic decline, environmental regulations
- Traffic Impact
- 150km of traffic jams
- EU Funding Proposal
- 45 billion euros for farmers
- Voting
- France and Ireland to vote against, Italy supports the agreement
Sources
Protesting French farmers bring tractors to Paris
Protesting French farmers bring tractors to Paris centre
French farmers block Paris streets in protest against Mercosur trade deal
Watch: French farmers drive tractors into Paris to protest EU–Mercosur trade deal
French Farmers Roll Tractors Into Paris To Protest EU Mercosur Trade Deal
Explainer-Why are French farmers driving their tractors into Paris?
Mercosur, Cattle Disease: Why French Farmers Are Driving Tractors Into Paris
France to vote against Mercosur trade deal, Macron says