French farmers drive tractors into Paris in Mercosur protest

French farmers drove around 350 tractors into Paris as part of ongoing protests against a trade agreement between the EU and the South American trade bloc Mercosur.

While blocking various highways, farmers headed into Paris in the early morning hours to protest the signing of the Mercosur agreement and to demand greater administrative simplification in their daily lives, according to broadcaster BFMTV, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

Luc Smessaert, vice president of FNSEA, one of France’s largest farmers’ unions, told BFMTV that farmers are determined to remain in Paris until their demands are “heard.”

“Our goal is to leave tonight. If we don’t achieve this meeting (with the prime minister), then yes, we will stay as long as it takes. We are currently along the Seine, and if we need to spread throughout Paris, we will do so,” he said.

A large group of farmers also gathered outside the National Assembly, prompting its president, Yaël Braun-Pivet, to meet with them several days after a previous meeting with protesters during which she was whistled at and met with chants of “resign.”

The office of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is reportedly set to receive a delegation of farmers later in the afternoon.

Farmers across Europe have been protesting the EU–Mercosur agreement, which has been under discussion for more than 20 years. They argue that the deal harms domestic markets and threatens both agricultural livelihoods and food standards.

As reported by CE Report, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to sign the agreement in Paraguay on January 17.