French President Emmanuel Macron encountered a tumultuous reception at the opening of the Paris Agricultural Fair on Saturday, as frustrated farmers voiced their discontent, blaming him for inadequate support.
Macron, slated to attend the annual event which draws large crowds, was met with boos and whistles from protesters, some of whom breached security barriers before his arrival.
For months, farmers across France, including in Paris, have been staging protests, advocating for improved living conditions, streamlined regulations, and better safeguards against perceived unjust competition from abroad.
Police presence in riot gear was heightened at the Paris Agricultural Fair to deter protesters from approaching Macron, who had scheduled meetings with leaders of France’s major farmers’ unions.
Amid chants calling for his resignation and the sound of whistles expressing outrage, Macron acknowledged the complexities of addressing the agricultural crisis, emphasizing the years of effort invested by farmers in showcasing their produce at the fair.
Three weeks prior, farmers had lifted roadblocks around Paris and other regions following the government’s announcement of over €400 million in aid and tax concessions. Macron, while acknowledging the right to protest, cautioned against violence.
In response to the ongoing grievances, Macron pledged to establish “floor prices” for agricultural products to ensure stable incomes for farmers. He also opted to meet with select groups of protesters separately to address their concerns.
