12 Nov 2024 | 10:26 AM UTC
France: Farmers plan nationwide protests from Nov. 15
Unionized farmers plan nationwide indefinite protests in France from Nov. 15; major travel and transport disruptions likely.
Unionized farmers affiliated with the FNSEA union plan to stage protests across France from Nov. 15. The purpose of the action is to denounce the ongoing EU-Mercosur agreement talks. Protests are likely to include roadblocks on major highways and convoys of slow-moving vehicles through urban centers. Groups of protesting farmers are likely to focus their protest activity in major cities, which could obstruct traffic to France's major airports.
Authorities will likely deploy significant security measures to monitor the gatherings. Protest activities and related security measures are likely to cause severe delays on affected motorways and consequent congestion on nearby diversions. The actions are likely to proceed peacefully; however, limited confrontations between law enforcement officers and protesters or between disgruntled drivers and demonstrators are possible.
Monitor local news sources for protest updates and follow local travel and security advice. Avoid the demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services.
In the early months of 2024, farmers across Europe staged protests denouncing reforms at the EU level and demanded increased investment in the sector. Thousands of farmers staged go-slow demonstrations through cities, causing severe road travel and transport disruptions and significant deployments of security forces. Most demonstrations were concluded by early spring 2024.
The union's call for a repeat of protest activities will likely entail the adoption of similar protest tactics, seen through the early months of 2024, with possibly long-lasting effects through the upcoming weeks and months.
