French farmers are voicing their discontent over the European Union’s proposed free trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc, prompting rare political unanimity across France. With protests erupting nationwide, farmers accuse the deal of jeopardizing European agricultural standards and livelihoods.
The controversial trade agreement, which the EU hopes to finalize by year-end with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, has met staunch resistance from both the French government and opposition parties.
President Emmanuel Macron, speaking from Argentina on Sunday, November 17, denounced the treaty as “very bad for agriculture” and pledged to block its current terms.
His statement follows similar remarks by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, who firmly rejected the deal during a radio interview on France Bleu.
United Political Opposition
The EU-Mercosur agreement has united French politicians across the ideological spectrum. On November 4, over 200 parliamentarians published an op-ed in Le Figaro, calling the treaty “absurd” and urging the government to defend European farmers.
Days later, 600 MPs appealed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen through Le Monde, demanding respect for what they called the “democratic expression” of France’s parliamentary consensus.
Critics argue that the agreement would flood European markets with low-cost, lower-standard agricultural products, undermining domestic farmers.
Among their concerns are “chicken doped with antibiotics, beef raised on deforested lands, and corn treated with banned pesticides,” according to the Le Figaro piece.
Despite France’s unified stance, the government cannot unilaterally veto the agreement. Trade deals in the EU require a majority vote, limiting Paris’ direct power. However, Macron has vowed to leverage France’s influence to block the treaty unless its terms are significantly revised.
Nationwide Farmer Protests
Farmers across France have taken to the streets to amplify their grievances. By Sunday evening, tractors had snarled traffic in the Paris region, with protest messages such as “Macron, if you’re going to Rio, don’t forget your hicks!” painted on vehicle hoods.
Demonstrations are expected to intensify on Monday, with farmers staging “anger fires” and parking tractors in public spaces named after Europe to symbolize their discontent.
Arnaud Rousseau, head of the National Federation of Agricultural Holders’ Unions (FNSEA), described the protests as a bid to “challenge public opinion against a porous Europe.”
Speaking to La Tribune Dimanche, Rousseau emphasized the risks posed by the deal, including increased imports of products that do not meet EU standards, potentially harming French agriculture.
Macron’s Balancing Act
Macron’s opposition to the treaty came during a diplomatic tour of South America, where he met with leaders including Argentina’s newly elected president, Javier Milei.
His firm stance aims to reassure French farmers while navigating international relations ahead of this week’s G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.
As the protests continue, the French government faces mounting pressure to align with the country’s agricultural sector. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether France can rally enough EU support to halt or reshape the Mercosur agreement.
