Les agriculteurs mobilisés et la tension monte d'un cran en France avec le «siège» annoncé de Paris

Summary

French farmers are blockading Paris today with hundreds of tractors to protest low incomes and excessive regulations. They plan to blockade eight major highways leading into the city starting at 2pm local time. A massive police force has been deployed but will only intervene if blockades overflow. This escalation comes after farmers were unsatisfied with announcements last week from the prime minister. The agriculture minister has promised new announcements within 48 hours. Farmer protests have also spread to Germany and Poland, putting pressure on European leaders ahead of EU parliamentary elections in June.

Takeaways

• 😡 Farmers across France are starting protests today by blockading major roads into Paris
• 🚜 Hundreds of tractors are heading to the capital to blockade 8 major highways starting 2pm local time
• 🚧 A huge police operation has been deployed across France with armored vehicles to manage the protests
• 🛣️ Farmers say they will only blockade roads and not enter city centers like Paris and Lyon
• 💸 Farmers are angry over low pay, too many EU regulations and lack of respect for their profession
• ⏰ The agriculture minister promised more announcements in 48 hours but farmers say this week is critical
• 🚨 Farmers warn this will be a "black week" for Parisians with hours of blocked roads and huge traffic jams
• 👀 Media from many countries is covering the start of major new farmer mobilizations this week
• 🇪🇺 This is seen as a Europe-wide issue with protests also in Germany and Poland in solidarity
• 📈 Farmers want fair prices for their products as they haven't benefited from rising inflation in Europe

Q & A

What are the French farmers planning to do?

They are planning to blockade major access routes leading to Paris and other large cities with hundreds of tractors starting at 2pm.

Why are the farmers angry?

They are angry over low incomes, too many European regulations that they see as burdensome, and a lack of consideration for their profession in France and Europe.

What kind of police presence is there?

A huge police deployment with armored vehicles to secure locations like the Rungis food market, but police have orders to stand back unless blockades spill over.

Were the farmers satisfied with recent government announcements?

No, they were not at all satisfied by announcements made last week by the Prime Minister and are demanding more.

What warnings are the farmers giving?

They are calling this the 'week of all dangers' and warn it will be a black week for Parisians, with hours and hours of blockade traffic jams.

How long will the blockades last?

The blockades are set to last at least the whole week if not longer.

Is there support from other countries?

Yes, there is mobilization in support from countries like Germany and Poland.

How does this tie into upcoming European elections?

With elections in 5 months, this is seen as a major issue ahead of the June 9 vote.

What are the farmers demanding?

They are demanding fair prices for their products to account for inflation in recent years.

When will the blockades start?

The farmers are en route to start blockades at 2pm Paris time at 8 major access points.