French farmers drive tractors into Paris to protest Mercosur trade deal

About 100 tractors entered Paris on Jan. 8 as members of the Rural Coordination union protested the EU's move to advance a trade deal with Mercosur countries; authorities said around 20 tractors reached central Paris while most were blocked at the city limits.

Farmers brought tractors into Paris on Thursday to protest the European Union's renewed move toward a trade agreement with Mercosur countries. The action was organized by the Rural Coordination union. Organizers said they oppose the deal because of its potential effects on French agricultural livelihoods. Farmers also voiced anger about government sanitary measures linked to a bovine skin disease. Key facts: - Officials said about 100 tractors were driven into Paris on Thursday morning. - The Interior Ministry reported that about 20 tractors reached central Paris sites despite a ban, while most tractors were stopped at major roads marking the city's limits. - The protest was staged by the Rural Coordination union to press opposition to an EU-Mercosur trade deal and to raise concerns about sanitary measures tied to a bovine disease. - The EU this week renewed internal talks on the Mercosur agreement, and reports say a signing could take place in Paraguay on Jan. 12. Summary: Officials reported a convoy of tractors entered Paris and that a limited number reached central locations while most were blocked at the city periphery. The demonstration underscores ongoing opposition as EU negotiators have renewed talks and a possible signing has been reported for Jan. 12. Undetermined at this time.