French Farmers Escalate Protests Against EU Policies, Smear Police Vehicles with Manure
French farmers have intensified nationwide protests against European Union agricultural and trade policies, with demonstrators dumping manure on police vehicles in several areas as anger continues to mount. The protests are largely driven by opposition to the proposed EU–Mercosur trade deal , which farmers say would allow large volumes of cheaper
meat imports from countries such as Brazil and Argentina. Protesters argue this would undercut local producers at a time when EU climate, health, and animal welfare regulations are forcing European farmers to reduce herds and absorb higher production costs. Farmers say the situation has created a deep sense of injustice — being required to cull livestock and comply with strict environmental rules, while imported meat faces fewer constraints. Demonstrators also accuse EU policymakers of burdening family-run and generational farms with excessive regulations, warning that many are no longer economically viable. They argue that current policies favor global trade interests over domestic food security and rural livelihoods. While no major violence has been reported, tensions are rising. French authorities confirmed multiple arrests during recent demonstrations, including at least 18 near Paris in 2024, raising concerns about further escalation. Officials have deployed increased police presence to monitor protests, as farmers vow to continue demonstrations unless their demands are addressed. Source: RadioGenoa