Janice R. Andrews
PARIS, February 24, Reuters At a significant farm exhibition in Paris today, tensions broke out as French farmers expressed their annoyance with expenses, bureaucracy, and environmental rules. President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to come, but there was turbulence before him. He was met with hostility when he arrived.
In a dramatic scene, farmers broke over security barriers and poured into the trade show area, shouting and jeering at police officials. A few expressed their dissatisfaction with the way the government was addressing agricultural concerns and asked that Macron resign.
Demonstrator Pascal Beteille bemoaned the violent reception of riot police as a sign of his disappointment with Macron’s visit. Macron, who had earlier met with representatives of the farmers’ union, made an effort to address the matter by recommending moderation and communication.
“I’m saying this for all farmers: by smashing up stands, you’re not helping any of your colleagues by making the show impossible,” Macron said at a news conference after his meeting with union officials.
Tensions were further heightened by the president’s decision to postpone a scheduled debate at the fair, especially in light of reports that the environmentalist group Soulevements de la Terre may be invited, which infuriated farmers.
The Paris agricultural show, which is renowned for serving as a forum for public participation and political discourse, gained political significance as the confrontation between Macron and the demonstrators played out in real time on French TV channels.
The renewed wave of farmer protests, in spite of the government’s recent assurances of support, indicates an enduring discontent among the farming community and raises political questions as the elections for the European Parliament draw near.
As the industry continues to face economic difficulties, French farmers’ demands for greater assistance and action from the government are still being felt. They are looking for concrete answers to their complaints.
