Farmers could be seen camping on the motorway, setting branches on fire to block roads and even having a barbecue dinner
“We’re here tonight on the freeway, and we intend to stay as long as it takes because we’re waiting for clear, concrete answers from our Prime Minister. He’s announced a few vague things about the 4% jacherres imposed by France. We just don’t understand why we can’t produce. We have everything we need in France to produce, instead of importing goods that simply don’t comply with legislation,” according to Yvan, French Farmer.
“Agriculture has been in a bad way for a few years now, whether it’s cereals or livestock, and that’s why we’re here today. Too much red tape, too many standards. And then the price of our production of wheat, rapeseed or other crops simply isn’t paid,” according to Céline, French Farmer.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal attempted to alleviate the concerns of the farmers on Sunday, but his efforts were unsuccessful in calming the situation.
But on Monday afternoon, the roads A7, A6, A47 and A46, which give access to or surround the city, were blocked in both directions.
The Regional Federation of Farmers in Auvergne Rhone-Alpes called for mobilization and announced a ‘siege’ of Lyon, vowing to maintain several roads blocked until Friday.
The ongoing action over low prices, high production costs, green policies and cheap imports, has seen blockades across the country in recent weeks.
Rubbish and produce have also been dumped on roads, with some set alight, and manure has been sprayed at government buildings.
Aside from France, other European Union countries, like Germany and Greece, have also seen similar farmer protests.
