Confederation Paysanne urges Macron to protect French agriculture from unfair competition.

On Tuesday, the Confederation Paysanne, France’s third-largest agricultural union, protested with tractors at the Esplanade of the Invalides in Paris against the agreement between the European Union and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).

RELATED:

Where is France’s Political Crisis Heading?

Farmers and agricultural workers called on President Emmanuel Macron to “keep his promise” to protect French farmers from any trade deals between the EU and third countries, whether with South America’s MERCOSUR, Mexico, or others.

The purpose of the demonstration, which coincided with the first Council of Ministers meeting of the new government led by Sebastien Lecornu, was to “demand the regulation of international markets and denounce the logic of free trade, which relocates our production and lowers social and environmental standards,” organizers emphasized.

Called for 12:30 p.m. at the Esplanade des Invalides, the rally was supported by several dozen associations and collectives representing farmers, environmentalists, and consumer advocates.

The text reads, “Confederation Paysanne farmers protest in Paris against the EU-MERCOSUR agreement.”

The firm rejection of the agreement between the 27 EU countries and the four MERCOSUR members—Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay—is widespread among French agricultural unions, which view with concern what they consider a less combative stance from the French government in the ratification process launched by the European Commission last September.

After 25 years of negotiations, both blocs concluded talks at the end of 2024 on a trade and association agreement that would cover one of the world’s largest markets, with a combined population of 780 million people.

Opposition from some European countries, led by France—which fears unfair competition from South American farmers—has cast doubt on the deal’s fate. However, negotiators now hope it can be formally signed before the end of this year.

The agreement would allow the EU to export more cars, machinery, wine, and other products to MERCOSUR. In return, it would facilitate imports of beef, poultry, sugar, and honey from the South American bloc by reducing tariffs.

The text reads, “Stop MERCOSUR! Let’s protect farmers and citizens! A demonstration in Paris, initiated by the Confédération paysanne, was attended by numerous MPs and rebel activists. The EU-MERCOSUR free trade agreement is lethal for farmers, who already face unfair competition due to the proliferation of similar agreements. 20% of livestock farmers earn less than €6,000 per year. They endure excessively low prices, intense international competition, and a succession of health crises. In the European Parliament, the EU-MERCOSUR free trade agreement was saved at the last minute last week by the Socialists, including Raphael Glucksmann, and the far right. The latter did not vote in favor of the motion of censure against the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who defends this free trade agreement. This motion was defended by Manon Aubry, president of the LFI group in the European Parliament.”

The Confederation Paysanne’s position on free trade agreements is categorical: “It’s a resounding and final no.”

To reassure France, the European Commission proposed strengthened safeguard clauses in early September in case of a sudden increase in imports or a drop in prices, particularly for sensitive agricultural products.

The Commission aims to act quickly and expects validation from EU member states before the end of December. The text is now on the table of the European Council, which must make a decision on it.

The EU is MERCOSUR’s second-largest trading partner, with exports worth 57 billion euros in 2024, according to data from the European Commission.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

IN THIS ARTICLE