French farmers have launched fresh large-scale protests in Paris over the trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur and other demands. On Tuesday, 13 January, local time, they drove hundreds of tractors along the Champs-Élysées and took up position around the French parliament building.

According to reports, the first convoy of about 15 tractors entered Paris shortly before 6am on Tuesday, and many more tractors joined later. The farmers sounded their horns in protest as they moved along the Champs-Élysées. More than 350 tractors were parked near the National Assembly building on Tuesday, and at least 800 farmers took part.

The farmers' grievances include the proposed trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur bloc, economic uncertainty and strict environmental restrictions.

Observers see the protest as a reflection of deep discontent and frustration in France's farm sector. Farmers regard the plan to sign the agreement between the EU and South America's Mercosur bloc as a "final blow".

French farmers have long voiced anger over uncertain incomes, strict environmental rules and various government decisions. Since December they have been holding protests, road blockades and other actions against the government. They are also unhappy with the government's handling of lumpy skin disease in cattle.

A leader of FNSEA, France's largest farmers' union, said: "For the past three years we have not been able to earn any money from our farms." Guillaume Moret, a 56-year-old farmer and protester, said: "We have reached the absolute limit. We will not leave here until we get a decision that gives us at least some relief."

FNSEA and another organisation, Jeunes Agriculteurs, have called on the government to take "quick and concrete measures".

Agriculture minister Annie Genevard came to the protest site and spoke to the farmers. She said Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu would make new announcements on Tuesday. Farmers' representatives also held talks with Yaël Braun-Pivet, speaker of the lower house of parliament.

Most of the EU's 27 countries support the Mercosur trade agreement. Supporters say it is important for boosting exports, reviving Europe's weak economy and strengthening diplomatic ties at a time of global uncertainty.

Negotiated over more than 25 years, the agreement would, if it takes effect, create one of the world's largest free trade areas and increase trade between the EU and the Mercosur bloc of Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay.

Under the agreement, the EU would be able to export machinery, chemicals and medicines at lower tariffs.

But farmers in France and some other countries fear they will be badly hurt if cheap beef and other farm products flood in from South America.

Thousands of farmers protested against the agreement in France and Ireland at the end of last week. The deal has also met strong opposition among political parties in France, and many politicians see it as a direct blow to the country's influential farm sector.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.