Fueled by renewed agricultural mobilization after the holidays, the head of government, Sébastien LecornuThe government announced imminent measures to quell the anger of the agricultural sector. Following a meeting held Tuesday at Matignon with several trade unions, the government pledged to unveil, by Friday, a series of concrete decisions long awaited by the industry.
Representatives of the FNSEA (National Federation of Farmers' Unions) are anticipating imminent responses on several fronts, ranging from health issues affecting livestock farming to specific crises in certain sectors such as viticulture, as well as the question of administrative costs and regulations. For months, the unions have been denouncing the inadequacy of the measures announced so far, in a context marked by declining incomes, rising production costs, and concerns related to international trade agreements.
Brussels in the background, the street in the foreground
These national discussions are taking place against a backdrop of tension at the European level. On the eve of an extraordinary meeting of agriculture ministers in Brussels, the Commission announced a budget increase of several tens of billions of euros for the future Common Agricultural Policy, presented as a gesture to defuse the controversy surrounding the EU-Mercosur agreement. Paris intends to use this announcement to defend the continuation of subsidies and challenge certain measures deemed detrimental to farmers.
On the ground, the mobilization remains strong. Convoys of tractors continue their advance from the Southwest, while road blockades, particularly around Toulouse, remain in place despite prefectural bans. Several unions assert their intention to maintain pressure until concrete commitments are made, making this weekend a crucial moment for the government.
