France: Government Appeals for Christmas Truce with Farmers
The French government has appealed for a Christmas truce with protesting farmers, amid warnings of potential road blockades during the holiday season. Farmers are protesting the government's handling of nodular dermatitis in cattle and the trade agreement with Mercosur.
Farmers gathered outside President Emmanuel Macron's residence in Le Touquet, leaving a coffin with slogans such as "RIP Agri" and "No to Mercosur." They are protesting the government's policy of culling entire herds and imports of products that do not meet French standards.
Prime Minister SĂ©bastien Lecornu is meeting with agricultural associations. The head of FNSEA, Arnaud Rousseau, stated that Lecornu would send a letter with answers to their demands. The Confederation Paysanne expressed disappointment, while the Young Farmers association will implement a truce for Christmas.
The government warns that it will not tolerate further blockades. In Avignon, farmers threw potatoes at public buildings.