Macron Calls for Christmas Truce in Farmers' Protests

The French government has appealed for a Christmas truce with protesting farmers, amid warnings of potential road blockades during the holiday season. The decision to suspend the protests depends on the Prime Minister's response to their demands, according to the main trade union.

Farmers have been protesting for over a week, demonstrating against the government's handling of nodular dermatosis in cattle and the trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc. Farmers gathered in front of President Emmanuel Macron's residence in Le Touquet, leaving a coffin with slogans.

In Avignon, farmers threw potatoes at public buildings. Protesters are reacting to the government's policy of culling entire herds and the EU-Mercosur agreement, which could allow imports of products that do not meet French standards.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is meeting with agricultural associations. The head of FNSEA, Arnaud Rousseau, stated that Lecornu pledged to send a letter with answers to agricultural issues. The associations Coordination Rurale and Confederation Paysanne will allow farmers to decide on the continuation of the protests. Government Spokeswoman, Prisca Thevenot, stated that the government will not tolerate blockades.

Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, referred to the effort to postpone the Mercosur conference.

Source: ΚΥΠΕ