French authorities on Friday appealed for a pause in nationwide farmer protests during the Christmas period, warning that further road blockades would not be tolerated as negotiations continued with agricultural unions.
The call came after more than a week of disruptive demonstrations over the government’s handling of cattle lumpy skin disease and opposition to a proposed European Union trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc. While some unions signaled a willingness to stand down temporarily, others had yet to commit.
Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said ministers were seeking calm during the holidays but made clear that continued disruptions would face a firm response.
Speaking on RTL radio, Bregeon said authorities would do “everything necessary” to prevent new blockades, citing concerns for public order and holiday travel.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu held talks on Friday with major farm unions as pressure mounted for concessions that could bring the protests to a halt.
Earlier in the day, farmers drove tractors to the seaside town of Le Touquet in northern France, where President Emmanuel Macron has a residence. Demonstrators placed a coffin marked “RIP Agri” and “NO Mercosur” near the site, according to local officials.
In southern France, protesters in Avignon hurled potatoes at public buildings, while road disruptions and manure dumping were reported in several regions.
Farmers say the government’s policy of culling entire herds when lumpy skin disease is detected is excessive and financially devastating. They also argue that the EU Mercosur trade deal would open the door to large imports of agricultural goods that do not meet French production standards.
Arnaud Rousseau, head of the FNSEA, France’s largest farm union, said Lecornu committed to providing written responses to key demands by Friday evening.
“This letter will be decisive,” Rousseau told reporters, adding that the union would decide afterward whether to suspend its actions.
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The Young Farmers union said it would observe a Christmas truce. However, it remained unclear whether Coordination Rurale and the Confederation Paysanne, which have led many of the blockades, would follow suit.
The protests add to mounting pressure on the government as it seeks to prevent further unrest during a critical holiday period. Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard was scheduled to visit a farm near Paris later on Friday as part of ongoing outreach efforts.