Coordination Rurale Farmers Rally with Tractors in Paris Against Mercosur Deal and Government Policy

On January 8, 2026, farmers from the Coordination Rurale union mounted a significant protest in Paris, bringing a convoy of tractors into the capital to oppose the EU-Mercosur trade agreement and government management of agricultural issues such as the bovine nodular dermatitis epizootic. Beginning just after 5 a.m., dozens of tractors entered Paris through its southern gates, passing landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and making their way along the Champs-Elysées and Porte d’Auteuil.

Despite a prefectural order issued the previous evening banning unauthorized gatherings near major political institutions and symbolic sites such as Matignon, the National Assembly, Ministry of Agriculture, Élysée Palace, Senate, and INRAE, the farmers proceeded with their protest. This led to significant disruptions in the city, including the closure of roads and highways such as the A13 and major traffic congestion with jams reportedly reaching up to 150 kilometers.

The government labeled the protests an "illegal operation," and the Paris police had deployed measures to enforce the restrictions, resulting in clashes with some farmers and a few detentions. Nevertheless, the farmers persisted in their demonstration to press for attention to their grievances, which also include complaints about rising fertilizer prices. The FNSEA, another agricultural union, planned parallel supportive actions in Paris, including symbolic gestures.

Philippe Tabarot, Minister of Transport, expressed his concern about the mobility issues caused by the protests, emphasizing the impact on traffic and access to the city. Coordination Rurale leaders, such as Ludovic Ducloux, noted that despite police presence, the tractors reached their designated locations without major hindrance.

This protest represents part of an escalating mobilization that began in December 2025, putting pressure on the government to respond with agricultural policy announcements expected later in the week. The protests underscore widespread frustration within the farming community about trade deals, disease management, and economic challenges affecting agriculture.