Paris (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 13, 2026 – French farmers drove approximately 350 tractors through central Paris to the National Assembly on Tuesday to protest low incomes and an EU trade deal with South American countries. The demonstration, organised by major unions including FNSEA, disrupted rush-hour traffic along the Champs-Elysees and across the Seine River. Protesters gathered outside Parliament demanding concrete actions on food security, import restrictions, and administrative simplification.
Police escorted the tractors during the procession. Farmers positioned vehicles near the National Assembly, blocking access routes temporarily. The action marked the second major tractor protest in Paris within a week, following an earlier unauthorised demonstration by Coordination Rurale.
National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet met protesters outside the building. A government delegation received union representatives in the afternoon. No arrests or violent clashes occurred during the event.
Liz V shared news of the demonstration on social media. Liz V (@ShoreEJV) (common netizen/retired professional sharing with link for awareness) said in X post,
“French farmers drive 350 tractors to Parliament to protest low incomes and EU trade deal.”
French farmers drive 350 tractors to Parliament to protest low incomes and EU trade deal https://t.co/pBZBVHcEIh via @DailyMail`,
— Liz V (@ShoreEJV) January 13, 2026
Tractor Convoy Routes and Police Coordination
Tractors rumbled down the Champs-Elysees and other major avenues before crossing the Seine to Parliament. Authorities approved the route after organisers agreed to security protocols. Paris police reported around 350 vehicles participated, with gatherings also at the Arc de Triomphe.
Convoys originated from regions including Seine-et-Marne and Yvelines. Farmers bypassed some outer blockades to reach the city centre. Interior Ministry noted the escorted nature prevented major incidents.
FNSEA Vice President Damien Greffin addressed the crowd, highlighting the Mercosur deal’s approval without full European Parliament input. He announced plans for a further protest at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on January 20.
Primary Demands Focus on Mercosur Trade Agreement
Farmers oppose the EU-Mercosur deal, fearing it allows imports of products not meeting EU standards. The agreement covers trade with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia. Protesters displayed banners against cheap imports, climate rules, and fuel costs.
Unions demand minimum price guarantees and caps on South American agricultural goods. FNSEA seeks immediate government action to protect French food security. Coordination Rurale previously demonstrated at the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.
Guillaume Lefort, a crop farmer from Seine-et-Marne, held an FNSEA flag outside Parliament stating farming faces an unprecedented crisis. José Perez of Rural Coordination in Lot-et-Garonne called for President Macron to support farmers explicitly.
Government Meetings and Official Responses
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s office hosted a farmer delegation post-demonstration. National Assembly President Braun-Pivet engaged protesters directly, days after a prior encounter involving chants. Lawmakers observed from windows during the blockade.
Agriculture Ministry officials acknowledged ongoing challenges including production costs and market pressures. Government committed to reviewing trade clauses amid protests.
Slavic Networks reported on the escalation around Parliament. Account name & handle: Slavic Networks (@SlavicNetworks) said in X post,
“BREAKING:French Farmers BLOCK Parliament in Paris – Open Revolt Against EU & Macron Tensions exploded in the heart of Paris as French farmers physically blocked the entrance to the National Assembly, bringing tractors and protest convoys directly to the gates of political power.For days, farmers from across France have been mobilizing against what they call EU-imposed policies and Macron’s agenda — which they claim are strangling rural communities, destroying small farms, and handing French agriculture over to corporations and foreign imports.Footage shows demonstrators surrounding the parliament building, waving flags and banners, chanting against rising costs, unfair regulations, fuel prices, and green policies pushed by Brussels. Tractors were positioned strategically to cut off access to lawmakers, sending a clear message:“You will not ignore us anymore.”Farmers accuse the government of: – Flooding the market with cheap imports – Imposing climate rules that small farmers cannot afford – Favoring multinational corporations – Sacrificing national food security to EU bureaucracyMeanwhile, many protesters say mainstream media is downplaying or hiding the scale of the revolt, despite streets being blocked and institutions paralyzed.This is not just a French issue.Across Europe, farmers are rising up — from Germany and Poland to Belgium and Spain — showing growing anger toward Brussels technocrats and national elites who make decisions without consulting those who actually feed the continent.Paris, National AssemblyOngoing protestsReal footage from the groundEurope’s countryside is speaking. Will the elites finally listen?Do you support the farmers?⸻Follow us for REAL European news @SlavicNetworks @Nirali_1989 @VladVVeles @SlavFreeSpirit Like – Share – Comment – Invite friends#BreakingNews #France #FarmersProtest #Macron #EU #Paris #Europe #FoodSecurity #SlavicNetworks #Resistance”.
🚨🔥🇪🇺 BREAKING: 🇫🇷 French Farmers BLOCK Parliament in Paris – Open Revolt Against EU & Macron 🌾🚜
Tensions exploded in the heart of Paris as French farmers physically blocked the entrance to the National Assembly, bringing tractors and protest convoys directly to the gates of… pic.twitter.com/67LbvioUr2
— Slavic Networks (@SlavicNetworks) January 13, 2026
Economic Pressures Fuel Ongoing Protests
French farmers cite falling farm-gate prices alongside rising input costs for fuel, fertiliser, and feed. EU Common Agricultural Policy reforms contribute to financial strain. Weather impacts reduced yields in key sectors.
France, the EU’s largest agricultural producer, faces months of mobilisations. Earlier actions included motorway blockades and demonstrations in regional capitals. Government released aid packages in response to prior unrest.
European-Wide Farming Demonstrations
Protests extend beyond France with actions in Germany, Poland, Belgium, Spain, Ireland, and Italy. Farmers across the continent oppose Mercosur and subsidy adjustments. EU Commission engages national governments on trade balances.
FNSEA and allies coordinate nationwide efforts. Regional branches plan local blockades if demands remain unmet. Demonstrations target both national parliaments and Brussels institutions.
Traffic Disruptions and Public Impact
Rush-hour gridlock affected central Paris avenues. Metro and bus routes adjusted around tractor positions. Delivery services experienced delays near government sites.
Media provided live coverage with aerial footage. Public expressed varied responses amid food price concerns. Clean-up followed the peaceful dispersal.
Union Coordination and Future Plans
FNSEA led Tuesday’s event with thousands mobilised. Coordination Rurale conducted the prior unsanctioned action. Unions emphasise non-violent pressure alongside dialogue.
Further Strasbourg protests scheduled for January 20. Spring planting pressures inform ongoing strategy. Delegations continue engaging ministry officials.
