Farmers Want to Enter Paris to Protest
Farmers are eager to enter Paris to demonstrate to Parisians. Unable to actually enter the city, they found a creative way to bring Paris to them. On Wednesday, January 31, Thierry Desforges, an Essonne farmer and vice-president of the FDSEA, took action alongside other farmers on the A6 in Essonne by bringing Paris city signs to a roadblock set up at the entrance to the capital.
This act was described as “symbolic” by Desforges and other farmers protesting on the A6 motorway in Chilly-Mazarin. They turned the Paris signs upside-down to convey their frustration with agricultural policies they feel are not in their favor. Similar actions have been taken in other parts of France, with hundreds of municipal signs being turned upside-down.
Feeling Disregarded
According to Desforges, the farmers feel disrespected by the people of Paris and the government. They are in the unique position of being the ones who produce what others consume, yet they still feel neglected.
Due to recent government statements, some farmers have decided to move closer to Paris. Tactical police vehicles have been deployed in the Paris suburbs, especially along the A6, where a camp was set up less than six miles from the Rungis international market.
Protests and Tensions
On Wednesday evening, a group briefly entered a storage area at the Rungis international market and engaged in vandalism. According to a police source, 79 people were placed in custody for destruction of private property and for participating in a group preparing to commit vandalism.
The farmers situated near the barricade on the A6 at Chilly-Mazarin are adamant about their intentions. They want to make their presence known to the people of Paris and express their demands, but are not seeking a confrontation.
Active Participation
Desforges expressed that Parisians are generally supportive of the farmers’ movement. He hopes that the farmers have the privilege of presenting their situation directly to the people of Paris. He believes it is their right to protest in the city, as others have rights to enjoy cultural and entertainment events.
He dreamily imagines the entry of tractors into Paris, painting a picture of a joyous occasion where both parties celebrate and understand each other.
Despite their determination, Desforges clarified that they are not looking to fully block the city. They have no intention of aggressively confronting authorities, they just want their voices heard and rights respected.
Upcoming Mobilization
According to BFMTV, 20 companies of CRS, a French police unit, will be deployed in the Paris area on February 1 to handle the escalating protests. This is a significant increase compared to the usual deployment.
