Paris

Around a hundred French farmers drove tractors into Paris on Thursday to protest the European Union’s proposed free trade agreement with five South American countries, the French Interior Ministry said.

Farmers have long criticized the Mercosur deal with Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay, warning that it could threaten livelihoods in France’s agricultural sector. Thursday’s demonstration was organized by the Rural Coordination union to pressure the government, which has expressed opposition to the deal.

Jose Perez, president of the Rural Coordination in the Lot-et-Garonne region, said, “The goal today is to come to Paris to express our demands closer to those who have the power. It’s a strong symbol.”

The Interior Ministry reported that about 20 tractors reached central Paris, including areas near the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, despite official bans. Authorities said convoys “bypassed and forced their way,” though most tractors were held at major roads on the outskirts of the city.

Farmers’ protests also reflect anger over government sanitary measures aimed at containing a bovine disease.

EU negotiators have recently resumed talks on the trade agreement, with speculation that a deal could be signed in Paraguay on January 12. While supporters such as Germany push for approval, France and Poland remain opposed.

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French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard reiterated France’s resistance on Wednesday, saying the Mercosur deal threatens domestic production of beef, chicken, sugar, ethanol, and honey, among other sectors.