French President Emmanuel Macron faced boos and whistles from angry farmers at the Paris Agricultural Fair, where he was scheduled to visit. Prior to the opening, protesters breached security barriers and entered the site to express their discontent with Macron for not providing enough support to farmers.
Farmers in France have been protesting for months, demanding improved living conditions, simplified regulations, and better protection from unfair foreign competition. Police in riot gear were deployed at the event to prevent protesters from getting too close to Macron, who was set to meet with leaders of France’s main farmers’ unions.
Despite the demonstrations and chants for Macron to resign, the President emphasized that addressing the farming crisis would take time and effort. He assured that measures would be taken to establish floor prices for products, guaranteeing farmers’ income and implementing an emergency plan for struggling farms starting on Monday.
Macron also announced plans for a meeting in March to discuss the future of farming with unions and industry stakeholders. Despite the tumultuous start, Macron eventually inaugurated the fair and engaged with farmers showcasing their products, including Normandy cows and camembert cheese.
These protests in France coincide with similar movements across Europe, where farmers are voicing concerns over EU agriculture policies and business conditions. The Green Deal, which limits chemical use and greenhouse gas emissions, is a particular source of frustration for farmers who argue that it puts them at a competitive disadvantage compared to imports from outside the EU.