Main points
The barriers set up around Paris by the FNSEA and Young Farmers’ unions on Sunday have been in place since Monday from 2 p.m. onwards. So far, there has been no sign of the blockade reaching Rungis market or the gates of Paris.
The Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, announced a significant defensive plan on Sunday to prevent any blockade of Rungis market, Paris airports, and to “prohibit entry into Paris.” The government plans to deploy 15,000 law enforcement officers to prevent tractors from entering “Paris and the major cities.”
Further announcements will be made by the government on Tuesday, as the initial statements made in Montastruc-de-Salies on Friday are considered insufficient.
There have been questions regarding traffic, protests, and the situation of farmers. Messages can be sent through the dedicated form for farmer protests.
New points
In a surprise operation, a taxi protest was attempted at the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées in Paris, but it was promptly brought to an end by the police, gendarmerie, and the BRAV-M.
At the same time, over 150 tractors and cars were reported to be on a blockade on the A1 highway, with the protesters starting a fire for warmth and grilling food.
In a show of solidarity, TV presenter Karine Le Marchand visited the tractors blocking the A4 highway and distributed croissants to the farmers.
Closures
Several roadways in Île-de-France have been closed due to the protests, including the A1, A4, A6, A13, and A15 highways, causing only about 37 miles of traffic jams at 8 p.m, which is below the usual average.
Another reported incident occurred in Gard, where masked individuals set fire outside a Lidl warehouse, while in Essonne, A6 highway has been completely shut down in the direction of Paris.
Further developments
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday in Brussels to discuss the agricultural crisis.
In another significant event, three members of the National Rally posed in front of a sign with offensive remarks targeting women, prompting legal action to be taken.
Amidst the protests, there has been a surge in the use of yellow caps by the farmers, which may potentially represent a unifying symbol for their collective demands.
