Over 90 individuals were apprehended following an effort to seize control of the Rungis food market near Paris, as stated by Paris police chief Laurent Nunez on BFMTV.

“We will not tolerate violations of public order and, ultimately, attacks against police officers. This is what happened today at Rungis, when a group of protesters tried to break in. It is obvious that the 'red lines' drawn by the Interior Ministry were violated, the people who participated in this were detained. A total of 91 arrests were made," Nunez said. 

Expressing frustration over unfair competition, French farmers have announced plans to bring heavy machinery to Paris to protest against the food market. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has emphasized that the planned blockade of Rungis and airports is a red line for the government. He cautioned that the police would employ armored vehicles and helicopters to safeguard against potential disruptions.

Darmanin stated that the count of farmers protesting nationwide against the government's agricultural policies has risen to approximately 10,000.

The #French people continue to struggle with a trembling #economy as #Paris feels the repercussions of the sanctions of the West, it included, on #Russia over the war in #Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/9otHtuV74n

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 18, 2023

40 protests nationwide

Earlier this week, french farmers staged a total of 40 protests nationwide, as reported by French broadcaster TF1, citing information from the national police's territorial intelligence service.

Since January 25, farmers have been blocking highways and depositing manure and waste in front of government buildings nationwide.

On January 27, the French National Federation of Agricultural Unions (FNSEA) reported that more than 72,000 farmers mobilized in mass protests, expressing dissatisfaction with the government's agricultural policies.

Over 41,000 tractors were part of the large-scale demonstrations that occurred throughout the country. FNSEA President Arnaud Rousseau had earlier warned that the protests would escalate, reaching 85 of the 96 departments in metropolitan France.

The big picture

The farmers are opposing the government's agricultural policies, citing concerns that these measures render their products economically uncompetitive.

Specific grievances include opposition to imported agricultural products, limitations on water usage for irrigation, rising diesel fuel costs, and restrictive environmental protection measures, all contributing to an increasing financial burden.

The chiefs of the two largest agricultural unions recently said members "will begin an indefinite siege of the capital."

"All the major roads leading to the capital will be occupied by farmers," they added.