French farmers launched large-scale protests on the morning of November 18 to draw attention to their issues and voice opposition to the EU’s free trade agreement with South American countries.
Motorists were warned about traffic disruptions across the country due to the demonstrations. In western France, near the city of Angoulême, farmers set up “filter barricades” to emphasize the importance of choosing local products. In Fontenay-le-Comte, also in the west, around 40 farmers arrived at the local prefecture building on their tractors.
In Avignon, protesters planned to block the Pont de l’Europe bridge for the entire day. Farmers are opposing the Mercosur agreement, arguing that they face strict regulations, while imported products would be subject to much looser quality controls.
Polls indicate that most French citizens support the protesting farmers.
