Overview
- Organizers said about 100 tractors reached the capital, while the Interior Ministry reported most were stopped at the outskirts and roughly 20 circulated near the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.
- Protesters targeted the EU–Mercosur agreement and pointed to domestic strains including a contagious cattle skin disease, lower grain prices and rising fertilizer costs.
- Demonstrators asked to be received by the presidents of the National Assembly and the Senate.
- Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon called the actions illegal and cited major jams on access routes such as the A13, where blockades caused severe disruptions.
- France’s stance comes as EU ambassadors meet Friday to set out national positions, with approval requiring a qualified Council majority and a European Parliament vote, and with Italy now backing the deal.