Farmers in the Tarn-et-Garonne department, where the demonstrations first took root, say their concerns over low food prices, foreign competition, and government red tape remain largely unaddressed

In a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on December 5, Macron underscored that France still considers the deal "unacceptable" in its current form, particularly due to concerns over the potential impact on French farmers

While reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining order, Retailleau contrasted the farmers’ demonstrations with the actions of railway unions, accusing the latter of regularly “holding French citizens hostage” through strikes

The decision came after Prime Minister Gabriel Attal committed to address the farmers' concerns, offering financial support, easing regulations, and protecting against unfair competition

Attal's remarks come at a time when farmers across France are expressing dissatisfaction with a range of issues, including rising costs, pesticide bans, and what they perceive as unfair competition from imports