Current:Home > MyFrench farmers vow to continue protesting despite the government’s offer of concessions -StockSource
French farmers vow to continue protesting despite the government’s offer of concessions
View
Date:2025-04-16 02:29:05
PARIS (AP) — French farmers vowed Saturday to continue protesting, maintaining traffic barricades on some of the country’s major roads a day after the government announced a series of measures that they do not fully address their demands.
The farmers’ movement, seeking better remuneration for their produce, less red tape and protection against cheap imports has spread in recent days across the country, with protesters using their tractors to shut down long stretches of road and slow traffic. They’ve also dumped stinky agricultural waste at the gates of government offices.
While some of the barricades were gradually being lifted on Saturday, highway operator Vinci Autoroutes said the A7, a major highway heading through southern France and into Spain, was still closed. Some other roads were also partially closed, mostly in southern France.
Vinci Autoroutes noted that the blockades on two highways leading to Paris have been removed. The highway from Lyon, in eastern France, to Bordeaux, in the southwest, also been reopened on Saturday, the company said in a statement.
Some angry protesters were planning to give a new boost to the mobilization next week, threatening to block traffic around Paris for several days, starting from Sunday evening.
President Emmanuel Macron’s new prime minister, Gabriel Attal, announced a series of measures Friday during a visit to a cattle farm in southern France. They include “drastically simplifying” certain technical procedures and the progressive end to diesel fuel taxes for farm vehicles, he said.
Attal also confirmed that France would remain opposed to the European Union signing a free-trade deal with the Mercosur trade group, as French farmers denounce what they see as unfair competition from Latin American countries. The agreement has been under under negotiation for years.
In response to Attal’s announcement, France’s two major farmers unions quickly announced their decision to continue the protests, saying the government’s plan doesn’t go far enough.
The protests in France are also symptomatic of discontent in agricultural heartlands across the European Union. The influential and heavily subsidized sector is becoming a hot-button issue ahead of European Parliament elections in June, with populist and far-right parties hoping to benefit from rural disgruntlement against free trade agreements, burdensome costs worsened by Russia’s war in Ukraine and other complaints.
In recent weeks, farmers have staged protests in Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania.
veryGood! (19)
Related
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- You Will Say Yes Please to These Cute Pics From Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo's Family Album
- Valerie Bertinelli Claps Back After Being Shamed for Getting Botox
- This Under Eye Mask Is Like an Energy Drink for Your Skin and It’s 45% Off Right Now
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Joe Manganiello Files for Divorce From Sofía Vergara After 7 Years of Marriage
- Kate Gosselin Says Son Collin Has “Multiple Psychiatric Diagnoses” in Response to Estrangement Allegation
- Why Tom Felton Is Hilariously Pissed Over the Barbie Movie
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Inside Gisele Bündchen's Birthday Girls' Trip With Daughter Vivian and Twin Sister Patricia
Ranking
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- MTV's Ryan Sheckler Details Unmanageable Addiction At the Height of His Teen Stardom
- Everything to Know About Carlee Russell's Faked Disappearance
- Justin Timberlake Mourns Death of Music Director Daniel Jones at Age 41
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- Nordstrom Clear the Rack Sale: Find Deals on Your Next Go-To Shoes from Adidas, Dr. Martens, ECCO & More
- Retired MLS Goalkeeper Brad Knighton's 11-Year-Old Daughter Olivia Killed in Boating Accident
- Married To Medicine Star Quad Webb's 3-Year-Old Great Niece Drowns In Her Pool
Recommendation
Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
Why Oscar De La Hoya Says He Let Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler Raise Daughter Atiana
Cheyenne Floyd Reveals Angry Teen Mom Fans Have Shown Up to Her House
Coast Guard rescues 2 from capsized boat off Georgia coast
Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
Israel approves divisive judicial overhaul, weakening court's power amid protests
A Shipping Rule Backfires, Diverting Sulfur Emissions From the Air to the Ocean
Former Columbia University OB-GYN to be sentenced for sexual abuse conviction