13.01.2026 23:16
French farmers opposing the free trade agreement planned to be signed between the European Union and the Southern Common Market intensified their protests in Paris. Producers dumped 30 tons of potatoes in front of the National Assembly, arguing that the agreement would lead to unfair competition in the agricultural sector.
Farmers protesting against the free trade agreement between the European Union and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), which is in the signing phase, staged a notable demonstration in the capital Paris. Producers, who argue that the agreement will negatively affect the agricultural sector, expressed their reactions by dumping tons of potatoes in front of the National Assembly.
SYMBOLIC ACTION IN FRONT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
The National Union of Potato Producers of France (UNPT) announced via the US-based X social media platform that potatoes were distributed in front of the Concorde Bridge, located across from the National Assembly. The statement indicated that the action was a response to increasing norms and aimed to thank citizens supporting farmers.
30 TONS OF POTATOES DUMPED
In the footage shared by UNPT, moments were captured where farmers dumped potatoes in front of the National Assembly with tractors. Reports in the national press stated that the amount of potatoes dumped in front of the Assembly was approximately 30 tons.
The National Federation of Agricultural Operators' Unions (FNSEA), one of the country's largest agricultural organizations, stated that UNPT's action was in support of the federation's call for mobilization. The statement emphasized that the French agricultural sector is united and determined to protect its income, production standards, and agricultural sovereignty.
TRACTOR CONVOYS IN PARIS
In the Ile-de-France region, including Paris, protests organized by farmer unions saw the first tractor convoys entering the capital in the early hours of the morning. In the demonstrations held with the permission of the governorate, hundreds of farmers with more than 350 tractors advanced towards the Champs-Élysées.
"UNFAIR COMPETITION" WARNING
In the actions carried out under the coordination of FNSEA, it was stated that the EU-MERCOSUR agreement could lead to unfair competition against farmers, and an urgent and concrete action plan was demanded.
WHY IS THE EU-MERCOSUR AGREEMENT CAUSING REACTION?
EU countries approved the EU-MERCOSUR free trade agreement, planned for December 2025 but postponed due to farmer protests and the opposing stance of France, Italy, and Poland, on January 9. Under the agreement, which is planned to be signed in Paraguay on January 17, customs advantages are expected to be provided for agricultural products such as beef, poultry, dairy products, sugar, and ethanol from MERCOSUR countries.
European farmers warn that cheap agricultural products with low production standards could flood the EU market, potentially leading to the bankruptcy of many family farms.