French farmers launch 40 protests across nation
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Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin warned protesters that the planned "occupation" of the food market and the airports constituted a red line for the government.
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Police forces watch a farmer driving his tractor with the inscription "Save farming, France is hungry" on a highway, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 in Argenteuil, north of Paris. (AP)
French farmers on Monday staged a total of 40 protests nationwide, as reported by French broadcaster TF1, citing information from the national police's territorial intelligence service.
Farmers' unions have scheduled a "siege" of Paris for Monday, planning to block two major airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, along with the Rungis food market on the outskirts of the capital.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced on Sunday that 15,000 police officers would be deployed in the capital region to prevent tractors from entering Paris, adding that the planned "occupation" of the food market and the airports constituted a red line for the government.
He further warned that law enforcement would employ armored vehicles and helicopters to safeguard these areas.
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Since last Thursday, farmers have been blocking highways and depositing manure and waste in front of government buildings nationwide.
On Friday, 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 by Friday.
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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.
On Sunday, the chiefs of the two largest agricultural unions 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.
