As in many regions in France, in Cantal, farmers are showing their anger by blocking the A75 at Saint-Flour. The mobilization is planned at least until Sunday evening.
Since 2:30 p.m., around fifty tractors and more than 80 farmers have been blocking exit 29, in both directions of traffic, on the A75 near Saint-Flour, in Cantal. Farmers are mobilizing throughout France to show their anger at rising taxes and against environmental standards deemed too restrictive.
Among the demonstrators, Pierre Taguet, farmer in the town of Menet, in Cantal. He announces that the movement will be held “at least until Sunday“, while awaiting announcements from Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.”We don’t expect miracles, we are so used to having calming announcements to calm things down and get everyone to go home. Today, we are waiting for concrete measures“, denounces the farmer.
The farmers who are mobilizing today are waiting for measures in terms of environmental standards, charges, concerning the import/export of agricultural products in the country and above all, on the remuneration of farmers. Pierre Taguet is out of breath: “It’s no longer possible, we can’t get by.”
I’m 24 years old, I should have the future ahead of me. However, four years after installation, I ask myself a lot of questions.
Pierre Taguet, farmer in Cantal
Mathieu Théron, president of the Young Farmers of Cantal association, adds: “Ono need to find a decent income. This involves the application of the Egalim law, with controls from the Ministry of the Economy. We are also asking for payments from the CAP on time with the amounts we were promised. Today, there is a delay in part of the measures and the aid has been cut“, he gets annoyed.
This mobilization occurs a few months after a movement “quieter“, that of the panels returned in several municipalities in France. “If we need to get back on the highway, it is because the messages have not been heard and we have not been listened to. We will stay until we win our case.“
Mathieu Théron ensures that the atmosphere on site is good-natured. On site, the camp is taking shape, in order to ensure mobilization until Sunday. “We have planned everything to last, we have food and drink until Sunday.“Farmers will take turns over three distinct time slots.
Following the dramatic accident which occurred at a blockage point in Ariège this Tuesday morning, which cost the life of a farmer, the emotion is great. “They are colleagues, parents, family. The sadness is deep“, reacts Mathieu Théron. On the A75, security has been reinforced, with the installation of concrete blocks, with a tractor and a trailer positioned behind. “This drama reinforces my idea of saying that we must be there. She died to fight to make a living from her profession. We must not give up to get what we ask for. She shouldn’t have died for nothing. In honor of her, we must fight this fight. We’re tired of being taken for idiots“, insists Pierre Taguet.
This blocking of the A75 in both directions of traffic disrupts road traffic.
In order to allow the continuity of traffic and to secure circulation, a diversion is set up at exits 28, for the South-North direction and 29 for the North-South direction, via the departmental road D909, assures the prefecture of Cantal. It reminds motorists to be vigilant and adapt their speed when approaching the exits concerned, as well as on the diversion route.