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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
RFI

Angry French farmers defy ban and block Paris streets over Mercosur deal

French farmers park their tractors in front of the Arc de Triomphe on 8 January 2026 in protest against the government's handling of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement and the lumpy skin disease outbreak. REUTERS - Sarah Meyssonnier

French farmers defied a government ban on Thursday, blockading roads into Paris and several of the city’s landmarks to protest against the Mercosur trade deal the European Union is expected to sign on Friday with South American nations.

Around 100 tractors were positioned at several symbolic locations in the capital by 8am local time, including near the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, the Interior Ministry said.

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