Dozens of French farmers drove tractors into central Paris and blocked major roads Thursday (Jan. 8, 2026) to protest a proposed European Union trade agreement with South American Mercosur nations, saying it threatens local agriculture and could undercut prices for beef, chicken and sugar. Organized by the Rural Coordination farming union, about 100 tractors entered the capital and gathered near landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe and the National Assembly despite a ban on such demonstrations, according to organizers. Farmers say cheaper imports under the EU-Mercosur pact, which would liberalize trade with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, would worsen already tight margins for European producers. French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that France will vote against the deal at EU level, reflecting mounting political opposition at home, though the pact may still move forward with support from other member states. The protests mirrored actions by farmers in Greece, where rural groups blocked highways as part of broader discontent with trade and rising production costs. ...read more read less