22 Jan 2024 | 10:06 AM UTC
France: Farmers' roadblock protests ongoing and spreading across Occitanie Region, as of Jan. 22 /update 1
Farmers staging multiple roadblock protests across Occitanie Region, France, as of Jan. 22. Increased security, disruptions ongoing.
Unionized farmers are forming multiple roadblocks across the Occitanie region, as of Jan. 22. Agricultural groups are demanding increased investment in the sector. The most disruptive roadblock is on the A64 motorway 30 km (20 miles) south of Toulouse, near to Carbonne, and has closed the route in both directions. Agricultural workers started the protest action late Jan. 18 and stated that this demonstration will last several days. As of Jan. 22, at least five other protests have blocked motorway junctions although these are likely temporary and of lesser impact. Further roadblocks are likely across the region at little or no notice.
The protest and related security measures is causing severe delays on the A64 motorway, and consequent congestion on nearby diversions. The action is likely to proceed peacefully. This action follows similar events in Bordeaux, Toulouse, and other French cities in recent months. Further protests are likely.
Follow local travel advice. Avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services.
This most recent campaign by agricultural workers started Jan. 16, when over 1,000 farmers in around 400 tractors formed slow-moving convoys and protested in central Toulouse.
