Istanbul, 24 February 2024 – Dozens of angry farmers entered the Paris International Agricultural Fair and staged a protest during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the fair.
The farmers, who entered the fairgrounds bypassing security, booed Macron, chanting “Macron resign” and whistling. Protesters threw eggs at police officers and some farmers were detained. Police intervened the protesters with pepper gas.
Due to the protest, some areas of the fair were closed to the public and the opening time was postponed. Over 2,000 people are waiting at the gate to enter the fair.
Farmers Demand Solution to Agriculture Crisis
Farmers are reacting to Macron to recognize the “agricultural crisis” in France and find solutions. In his speech at the fair, Macron said that the agricultural crisis could not be solved in a few hours, but that they would set a floor price at the European Union (EU) level for farmers experiencing an “income crisis”.
Macron also announced that he will host the agricultural sector unions at the Elysee Palace in 3 weeks.
Macron: No Place for Violence
In a statement on the brawl at the fair, Macron said people can express their anger but not violence.
The Paris International Agricultural Fair is the main event promoting the French agricultural sector and animal husbandry. The traditional fair welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors and is attended by leading politicians, including the country’s president.
In France, farmers reacting to the agricultural policies of the government and the EU blocked roads in and around Paris with their tractors for days.
