Hundreds of farmers rally in Paris against EU-Mercosur pact and import fears

France saw hundreds of farmers gather outside the National Assembly in Paris on 8 January, to protest against the EU-Mercosur trade deal and demand greater protection for French agriculture. Around 100 tractors entered the capital before dawn despite a police ban . Some reached the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower before farmers gathered outside parliament , carrying flags and banners warning of the growing pressure on their livelihoods. The protest was organised by Coordination Rurale , whose members travelled from several French regions to demand stronger protection for domestic agriculture. They also criticised the government's response to an outbreak of lumpy skin disease affecting cattle.