Farmers Protest Mercosur Deal, Blocking Paris Roads and Greek Highways
Farmers in France and Greece staged significant protests on Thursday, expressing their discontent with the European Union’s proposed Mercosur trade deal. The agreements, potentially beneficial to South American nations, have raised concerns among European farmers about their livelihoods.
Farmers Block Roads in France and Greece
In France, dozens of farmers drove around a hundred tractors into Paris, targeting the National Assembly under heavy police surveillance. Simultaneously, Greek farmers escalated their protests by implementing a 48-hour blockade of vital highways and toll stations across the nation.
Factors Behind the Protests
- Concerns over the EU-Mercosur deal, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
- Rising production costs exacerbated by various crises, including subsidy delays and disease outbreaks in livestock.
- Demands for greater government support and effective opposition to the trade agreement.
In Greece, farmers voiced their frustrations at blockades along major routes, including the highway connecting Athens and Thessaloniki. Local farmer Yiannis Baritas stated, “We’ve reached a breaking point. We’ll stay here as long as it takes to support our families.” He emphasized the need for more substantial state assistance.
Government Reactions and Future Concerns
The conservative government in Greece has indicated it would not tolerate prolonged disruptions. Prior to the protests, it had proposed measures such as reduced electricity rates and fuel tax reductions aimed at easing farmers’ burdens. Despite these efforts, many farmers remain skeptical about their effectiveness.
Vangelis Roubis, a prominent protest organizer, warned that if the Mercosur deal proceeds, “Greek agriculture is finished.” He pointed out significant cost disparities, highlighting that Greek farmers require 35 to 40 cents per kilogram for potatoes, while Brazilian farmers only need about 10 cents.
The Situation in France
French farmers also expressed their frustrations, setting up roadblocks across the country. Despite a ban on demonstrations in central Paris, around 20 tractors were reported in high-traffic areas including the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. José Perez, president of the Rural Coordination, emphasized the necessity of moving their protest closer to decision-makers.
The Rural Coordination union criticized the government’s perceived lack of strong opposition to the Mercosur deal, which they believe threatens various sectors including beef and poultry production.
Prospective Outcomes
The EU is set to continue internal discussions regarding the Mercosur agreement. Support from nations like Germany could tilt the balance in favor of the deal, notwithstanding pushback from countries such as France and Poland.
As negotiations progress, farmers from both France and Greece remain resolute in their demands for government support and a reconsideration of the EU-Mercosur agreement, viewing it as a direct threat to their agricultural futures.
