Paris: French farmers on Saturday continued protests sparked by opposition to cattle culling over a skin disease and the EU-Mercosur trade deal despite the government's call for a Christmas truce. Farmers persisted in blocking roads and highways in southwestern France, challenging Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's announcement of an £11 million ($12 million) support fund following discussions with agricultural unions and the postponement of the Mercosur deal's signing.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lecornu also proposed a new meeting with the unions in early January. On Friday, around 80 total or partial blockades were reported, primarily in the southern region. French farmers have been demonstrating for the past week against the government's policy of systematically culling cattle herds upon the detection of nodular dermatitis, also known as lumpy skin disease.
Additionally, the farmers are voicing their dissatisfaction with the trade agreement between the EU and the South American bloc of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay (Mercosur). "France has secured the postponement of the signing of the agreement with Mercosur because, at this stage, the terms are not satisfactory. We are putting forward common-sense demands, legitimately raised by our farmers: a robust safeguard clause, reciprocity through mirror clauses, and effective controls on imported products," French President Emmanuel Macron stated through US social media company X.
On Thursday, farmers from across Europe also gathered in Brussels to protest the agreement.