Paris Farmers Stage 'Opération Escargot' Protest Against Mercosur and Livestock Culling Policies

In a powerful demonstration of agricultural discontent, farmers and activists conducted an "opération escargot" on the Paris périphérique, slowly driving tractors to protest key issues impacting French agriculture. Early Friday morning, around a hundred participants from the Confédération paysanne and the activist group Soulèvements de la terre staged the slow-moving protest, entering the ring road from Porte de Montreuil and effectively blocking traffic as they advanced. They drove on two lanes near the Philharmonie de Paris, displaying signs denouncing the economic and health impacts they associate with current policies.

The protest aims primarily to end the policy of total culling of livestock upon detection of nodular dermatitis cases. Farmers and activists argue against this measure, asserting it devastates their herds unnecessarily. Additionally, the demonstrators voiced opposition to the Mercosur free trade agreement, which they perceive as threatening French agricultural interests.

Signs held by protesters read "Cursed be the economic and health war!", underscoring their frustration with what they describe as an economic and sanitary assault on their livelihoods. Law enforcement closely monitored the action, which highlighted the growing tensions between the agricultural community and government policies.

This protest occurs amid widespread public skepticism about the government's capacity to handle the agricultural crisis, with recent surveys indicating nearly 80% of French citizens believe current leadership is inadequate in addressing farmers' struggles. The agricultural sector remains a focal point of national debate, with increasing calls for policy reviews.

As of Friday morning, the "opération escargot" continues to draw attention to the pressures facing France's farmers, pointing to the urgent need for dialogue on trade agreements like Mercosur and disease management policies affecting livestock.