As anger boils over in the agricultural world, the government warns against any “slippage”. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said on Sunday that he had placed several “limits” on the leaders of the sector’s trade unions. A large protest movement is being organized this Sunday, which is expected to reach its peak on Monday, with several mobilizations planned across France. In the event of a “long-lasting lockdown”, the state will show “zero tolerance”, he warned.
Guest of the RTL/M 6/Le Figaro/Public Senate Grand Jury this Sunday, the former senator acknowledged that there are “always fears” during demonstrations. Which is why he wanted to meet this week with representatives of agricultural unions, who are calling on their troops to demonstrate again, less than a year after an unprecedented movement of anger in the countryside, which led to the blocking of sections of highways in January in village.
“The right to demonstrate is a constitutional right, of course, but there are limits. I told them three limits: no damage to property, let alone people, and no encystment, no lasting blockade,” he said. Otherwise “there will be zero tolerance”, “we will not hesitate to mobilize mobile forces” to restore traffic, he insisted.
A “committed” dialogue.
To a journalist who asked him if he would be “firmer” than his predecessor had been a year earlier – when it had been “tolerated” for farmers to deposit sewage in front of the prefectures or cover them with manure – he replied: “I I didn’t talk about manure, I didn’t talk about symbolic action as long as there is no material damage, personal injury or traffic jams, obviously. »
To avoid having to get to this point, Bruno Retailleau assured that he had “started this dialogue to be able to avoid these mistakes”. He also said he understands the anger of farmers, whose unions always criticize bureaucracy and increase low incomes, believing that, despite emergency aid and government announcements at the beginning of the year, the numbers are not there.
“France is a great agricultural power that is weakening every year,” judged the Interior Minister, believing that “we are imposing constraints” on agricultural companies. He criticized “internal bureaucratization” and “external liberalization” more generally, in reference to the free trade agreement between the EU and the Latin American countries of Mercosur, criticized by the agricultural world and which the government assured it would blocking “with everyone means”. ”It’s about importing agricultural products banned in France,” says Bruno Retailleau, who assures that Paris is not “so” isolated in Europe on this issue and will succeed in derailing the agreement.
Words against railway workers
The Interior Minister also distinguished the farmers’ mobilization from that announced by the railway workers for the end of the year. “Railway workers, some – not all – regularly take French workers hostage,” he said, seeing “double standards” between “farmers who are no longer able to live off the fruits of their labor and the railway unions who want to take over the French hostage.” “, and who according to him are adapting to “greviculture”.
Invited in parallel this Sunday on BFMTV, the president of the FNSEA Arnaud Rousseau announced that in total 82 actions are planned in 80 departments. “This will take shape (Sunday) afternoon in Île-de-France and tomorrow and Tuesday especially in the prefectures and subprefectures, as well as in the avenues and roundabouts of Europe,” he explained, adding that the mobilization will extend “until mid-December” but will not extend until end of year holidays.
– How can the French government address the concerns of farmers effectively during ongoing protests?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Agricultural Policy Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We’re witnessing significant unrest in France’s agricultural sector, culminating in a series of protests. To help us navigate this complex situation, we have with us Dr. Marion Lefevre, an expert in agricultural policy. Dr. Lefevre, what are the key factors driving the current protests among farmers?
Dr. Marion Lefevre: Thank you for having me. The current protests stem primarily from farmers’ frustrations over low incomes and growing bureaucratic constraints. Many agricultural unions argue that despite government promises of emergency aid, tangible improvements remain elusive. Farmers feel increasingly squeezed, both by rising costs and policies that they see as limiting their ability to operate effectively.
Time.news Editor: Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has emphasized the need for “zero tolerance” regarding any actions that could cause harm or block public access. How do you interpret his stance?
Dr. Marion Lefevre: Retailleau’s position reflects a desire to maintain social order while acknowledging the farmers’ right to protest. However, his warning could be perceived as heavy-handed. Farmers are expressing legitimate grievances, and while the government must ensure public safety, striking a balance between maintaining order and allowing free expression is crucial.
Time.news Editor: He mentioned setting limits on protest actions—specifically, no damage to property or creating lasting blockades. Is this approach effective in the context of agricultural protests?
Dr. Marion Lefevre: Setting clear limits can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it protects public property and ensures safety. On the other, it can escalate tensions if farmers feel their legitimate expressions of anger are being suppressed. The government must engage in constructive dialogue with agricultural representatives to address their concerns while also clarifying the boundaries of acceptable protest.
Time.news Editor: There seems to be a significant frustration regarding bureaucracy in the agricultural sector. Can you elaborate on how bureaucratic processes are impacting farmers?
Dr. Marion Lefevre: Bureaucracy in agriculture often manifests as complicated regulations that farmers must navigate, which can be time-consuming and resource-draining. Many farmers feel overwhelmed by the paperwork and compliance required, which stifles their productivity and innovation. Additionally, as highlighted by Minister Retailleau, the external pressures from agreements like Mercosur exacerbate these issues, making it difficult for local farmers to compete.
Time.news Editor: Retailleau also alluded to France’s weakening agricultural power. In what ways do you see this happening, and could more proactive measures help reverse this trend?
Dr. Marion Lefevre: France has historically been a strong agricultural power in Europe, but the combination of bureaucratic burdens, low market prices, and increased competition from international trade agreements is eroding this position. Proactive measures could include simplifying regulations, providing better financial support to farmers, and promoting local products. Additionally, emphasizing sustainable practices could attract new consumers and revitalize the sector.
Time.news Editor: with a protest set to peak on Monday, what do you think will happen next if discussions don’t lead to a resolution?
Dr. Marion Lefevre: If the government and agricultural unions cannot find common ground, we can expect heightened tensions, possibly leading to more aggressive protests and disruptions. The government must take these concerns seriously to avoid a repeat of previous escalations that involved blockades and significant public discontent. A proactive and committed dialogue is essential to foster trust and ensure a sustainable future for France’s agricultural sector.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lefevre, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s a challenging time for both farmers and the government, and your perspective is invaluable as we look ahead.