Civilized protest..... A fleet of 1,300 tractors, 91 coaches and 50 cars
trooped to Paris in a demonstration calling for further tax relief and
stronger political reforms for farmers. The protesters, most from
Normandy and Bretagne, said they are facing serious economic crisis, as
prices of agricultural products continue to drop, despite a
600-million-euro government aid program.
The normally congested streets were cleared out by other drivers
offering them precedence on the roads. The vehicles finally gathered at
the ancient Place de la Nation, which has witnessed many of the
country’s historic events since the Middle Ages.
With flags and banners expressing their dissatisfaction, the large
tractor fleet is intended to pressure the government to provide a
feasible solution to their growing woes. “Our target is to tell the
government that the farmers are very important,” said a protest leader
of the fleet.
Many places in France have seen angry farmers from the meat and dairy
industry protest to demand the government make up for their losses due
to declining product prices, which they blame on the competition from
imports and exploitation of wholesalers.
