As farmers storm Brussels, discontent is growing in France, where roadblocks are multiplying. The authorities fear congestion on the roads as Christmas approaches.
Since the beginning of December, protests by farmers have been increasing in response to health measures imposed to stem the epidemic of Contagious Nodular Dermatitis. Roadblocks and demonstrations aim to prevent the slaughter of infected herds but, above all, to alert public opinion to the endless crisis affecting the primary sector in France and in Europe.
Final negotiations on the implementation of the free trade agreement with Mercosur are adding to the anger of farmers, who feel that they are constantly being sacrificed and ignored by the authorities.
In southwestern France, the situation is particularly tense. This is where the main cases of the disease have been identified and where roadblocks are most numerous. As reported in the regional press, physical blockades and waste dumping on the roads are making traffic impossible on several strategic routes. For transporters, the situation is becoming critical, as heavy goods vehicles are unable to reach their delivery points as Christmas approaches. The routes between France and Spain, which see heavy food traffic at this time of year, are particularly affected.
The farmers’ protest, which goes far beyond a one-off reaction to the culls, has taken on a political dimension and enjoys significant support among the population and part of the political class, with media campaigns designed to showcase this popular support. Franck Putelat, France’s best craftsman and a chef honoured with two Michelin stars, was seen preparing and serving a meal to farmers in Carcassonne, sealing the union between French haute cuisine and the farming world, according to our colleagues at Boulevard Voltaire.
Young farmers are calling on the public for support to continue their actions and hope to achieve results: “As long as consumers don’t follow suit, we can fight as much as we want, but we won’t be able to do anything,” laments a representative of the Young Farmers’ Union interviewed by Frontières magazine on the issue of farmers’ remuneration.
A large contingent of French farmers travelled to Brussels for the day of action on December 18th, when the European Council was meeting. Others are also present in Strasbourg around the European Parliament, taking issue with MEPs accused of compromising with the Commission and its President, Ursula von der Leyen, to conclude agreements that harm farmers.
The president of the Rassemblement National (RN), Jordan Bardella, was in Strasbourg alongside the farmers to reiterate the essence of their demands: a significant improvement in their remuneration; a lowering of health and administrative standards; a commitment to preserving France’s food sovereignty.
“The entire French people are with you: all French people love their farmers!” he exclaimed in front of the demonstrators.
Former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who is now observing the difficulties of the Lecornu government from the outside, was indignant at the methods used to put an end to the rural protests. “You don’t send in armoured vehicles against farmers who simply want to negotiate. Their anger is legitimate. Too often stigmatised, they are nevertheless part of our identity. Let’s listen to their distress: we are all connected to the land that feeds us,” he explained on the TF1 television channel.
Once a net exporter of agricultural products, France became an importer in 2025: its agricultural trade balance is expected to be negative for the first time in fifty years.
The agricultural unions are due to meet with the Prime Minister on Friday, December 19th. Until then, the blockades will continue and promise to seriously complicate family travel for French people as the Christmas holidays approach.
