They arrest 79 French farmers who were trying to enter a Paris market on a new day of protests

Tensions between French farmers and law enforcement have escalated further in a new wave of protests on Wednesday. At least 79 farmers have been detained for attempting to enter the Rungis food market in Paris, considered Europe’s largest wholesale center and a crucial link between the capital and the rest of the country. The arrests were made following the directive of Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin to protect Rungis, turning the market into a battleground.

Since the early morning, tension has been high with tractors positioned in front of police barricades. Fifteen farmers disregarded police orders and were the first to be arrested. Another group managed to avoid surveillance and entered the market on foot, causing damage to stalls and leading to further arrests. Despite the Interior deploying 15,000 agents, this marks the first time riot police have been significantly deployed.

In addition to the protests at Rungis, farmers across France have set up over a hundred blockades on various roads. However, union leaders have called for calm and urged non-violence to ensure their grievances are heard. The agricultural sector’s demands have gained support from the majority of French citizens, as indicated by a survey conducted by BFMTV channel, with nearly 80% of respondents backing the farmers.

Government officials, while previously sympathetic to the sector’s demands, noted that their efforts are yielding results. However, they acknowledge that full recognition is yet to be achieved. President Macron has made concessions, such as retaining diesel subsidies, streamlining procedures, and securing concessions from Brussels concerning fallow land and Ukrainian grain imports. Macron plans to propose further modifications to agricultural policies at the European leaders’ summit in Brussels on Thursday.

The movement’s anger has also spread to other European countries, particularly in Belgium, where farmers have been staging protests since Sunday. These demonstrations will intensify on Thursday with the arrival of hundreds of tractors in Brussels, coinciding with the European Union leaders’ summit. Belgian authorities have urged people to avoid driving to the capital on Thursday due to the anticipated disruptions on access roads.