Protests subside

French government makes concessions to farmers

Following concessions by the government, the farmers' protests in France are dying down.(Bild: AFP)

The French government has made significant concessions to farmers' demands in recent days. For example, aid totaling around 400 million euros is to be provided. The two largest farmers' associations have therefore called for an end to the protests.

"It was a strong, historic mobilization that enabled us to return to the negotiating table," said Laurent Saint-Affre from a farmers' association in the south of France. After ten days of action, many farmers now need a break, added Arnaud Gaillot, chairman of the young farmers' association.

A left-wing farmers' association, on the other hand, wanted to continue demonstrating. In the greater Lyon area, around a dozen tractors blocked a toll booth on Friday afternoon. "We have not received what we demanded, namely a decent income," said farmer Isaebelle Douillon.

Farmers in Les Ulis, south of Paris(Bild: AP)

After ten days of action, many farmers now need a break, they said.(Bild: AFP)

Following concessions from the French government and the EU, the farmers' protests are dying down.(Bild: AFP)

Farmers: "Interesting promises"
The French government has made concessions in the past few days, for example with regard to aid and a reduction in bureaucracy. A total of around 400 million euros is to flow, with a further 150 million euros going to cattle breeders. President Emmanuel Macron announced that he would stand up for French farmers at EU level. The aim is a "drastic reduction in paperwork."

"There were interesting commitments that we are now looking at closely (...), some points still seem unclear," said José Perez from a regional farmers' association. In future, there will also be a new inspection authority to check whether import regulations are being complied with. In this way, European farmers are to be protected from cheap competition from abroad.

Slurry poured onto public buildings
The French security forces had hardly restricted the farmers' protests in the country, although slurry was sometimes poured onto public buildings. At the Rungis wholesale market near Paris, 79 people were temporarily taken into police custody (see video above).