Dozens of vehicles rolled into Paris before dawn on Wednesday, passing iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, in a demonstration organised by the Coordination Rurale union.
The protesters are voicing strong opposition to a proposed EU trade agreement, warning that it could expose French farmers to unfair competition from cheaper imports from South America. Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay were cited as sources of concern, with critics highlighting that agricultural products there may be produced under lower environmental and social standards, potentially affecting local farmers’ incomes.
Despite the large scale of the convoy, the demonstration remained peaceful. Police monitored the routes, and no major incidents were reported.
The protest comes at a critical moment as EU leaders consider whether to finalise the trade deal. French farming groups have called on the government to block the agreement to safeguard domestic agriculture and ensure fair competition.
