French farmers end Paris blockade on government promise for summer aid

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
2 Feb 2024 16:35

Farmers in France end their blockade after France's Prime Minister announces an aid package of 150 million euros to support farms in the summer.

Farmers driving tractors take part in a road blockage of the A6 highway near Villabe, south of Paris on January 29, 2024. (AFP)

In response to measures promised by the government to meet their demands, French farmers began lifting blockades situated on highways leading to Paris following a "siege" on the capital that lasted a few days.

For several weeks, farmers have been engaged in angry protests across Europe's largest agricultural producer, demanding increased pay, adjusted taxation, and improved regulations - including environmental laws that have impacted their businesses. Meanwhile, the crisis broke out after the government started cutting subsidies on diesel used for farm equipment.

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Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who visited a cattle farm last Sunday in an attempt to cool down the protests, announced before his trip that the government will be making several concessions in that regard.

But his statements were met with caution, with some major unions announcing that their demonstrations would not stop until words were put into action.

On Thursday, Attal announced that the government would provide 150 million euros ($163 million) in funds to support farmers this summer.

Following his statement, unions announced ending the blockade but pledged to renew protests if he failed to deliver. A number of major roads will be unblocked on Friday, including A10, A13 and A4 through, the BFMTV broadcaster said.

Meanwhile, the A6 highway was officially reopened earlier in the day.