French farmers protest en masse against government policies
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Farmers gather in protests and block roads to demonstrate against the government's agricultural policies which they say make them uncompetitive.
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A farmer stands atop a tractor as farmers block a roundabout in Fontainebleau, the sign reads "let's defend our means of production", south of Paris, Friday, January 26, 2024. (AP)
More than 70,000 French farmers mobilized en masse in protests, expressing their dissatisfaction with the government's agricultural policies, BFMTV reported. The French National Federation of Agricultural Holders' Unions (FNSEA) reported that over 41,000 tractors were part of the large-scale demonstrations that took place 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. The farmers are opposing the government's agricultural policies, citing concerns that these measures render their products economically uncompetitive.
Yesterday, BFMTV reported that farmers, mounted on tractors, strategically blocked traffic on crucial highways leading to the capital, Paris. The disruptions created widespread traffic jams and heightened tensions across affected regions.
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
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As part of their protests, French farmers have taken to obstructing highways and depositing manure and waste in front of government buildings nationwide.
