Angry farmers prepare to confront Macron

24/2/2024 10:27

        Farmers prepared to protest against President Emmanuel Macron's visit to a major Paris farm fair, amid anger over costs, red tape and green regulations.
        Dozens of tractors rolled into the French capital yesterday afternoon, loudly honking their horns. One tractor carried a sign reading: "Macron you're sowing the seeds for a storm - be careful of what you reap."
        
        Farmers have been protesting across Europe, calling for better income and less bureaucracy and complaining of unfair competition from cheap Ukrainian goods.
        
        The European Union in 2022 waived duties on Ukrainian food imports to support the country's economy following Russia's invasion.
        
        In another sign of how tense relations between farmers and the government still, Macron cancelled a debate he wanted to hold at the farm fair on Saturday with farmers, food processors and retailers, after farmers unions said they would not show up.
        
        The Paris farm show is a major event in France, attracting around 600,000 visitors over nine days.