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Hardliner Bertrand Venteau Wins Control of Coordination Rurale in Narrow Vote

The outcome signals a shift toward more confrontational tactics.

Overview

  • Venteau defeated incumbent Véronique Le Floc'h 74–68 at the Auch congress, with the hardline South‑West faction delivering crucial support.
  • His slate secured all but one seat on the new executive committee, giving him broad latitude, while Le Floc'h was elected as a committee member.
  • Venteau vowed to keep up street mobilisations and used combative language toward environmentalists, prompting the agriculture minister to call his remarks concerning.
  • Regional leaders urged farmers to bring tractors back to the streets more forcefully than in 2024, following months that included radar neutralisations and other direct actions.
  • The union’s clout has grown after winning nearly 30% in professional elections, taking 11 chambers of agriculture and higher public subsidies, even as scrutiny of South‑West leaders and management practices has intensified.