The protest action has been jointly called by the established farmers' federation FNSEA and the more radical FRSEA, which split off earlier this year. In their announcements, both organizations speak of blockades around Paris and other cities. They demand structural reforms and better economic prospects, and oppose the āideological impasseā in the parliamentary debate.
The occasion is the bill by right-conservative Senator Duplomb, which will be discussed on Monday in the National Assembly. The proposal aims to ease environmental regulations and reduce bureaucracy for farmers. Supporters say this should give farmers renewed perspective. Opponents fear it will lead to a loosening of environmental standards.
The debate about the law has completely stalled in French politics. Left-wing parties have submitted more than 3,300 amendments, delaying the process. They accuse Duplomb of orchestrating an ecological setback with his proposal. The French government has not officially taken a position at this time, but ministries emphasize the importance of the 'ecological transition.'
The outcome of the votes in the Assembly seems very uncertain. Some opponents have announced they will submit a motion for rejection to block the entire bill immediately. At the same time, intensive behind-the-scenes negotiations are underway over possible compromises. Duplomb defends his proposal as a necessary 'emergency brake' for farmers.
Alongside the political protest, anger is growing over maintaining the ban on the use of neonicotinoids. Environment Minister Pannier-Runacher has said she wants to uphold this ban. However, many farmers see these chemical agents as indispensable for growing their crops and demand a relaxation of environmental regulations in agriculture.
The atmosphere in the French countryside has long been tense. The split of the radical FRSEA reflects this unrest. Earlier this year, they succeeded in winning several important board seats in the elections within the official federation.
This group bases itself on a mix of economic frustrations and distrust of elites. Some media compare this movement to the 'yellow vest' protests of 2018, which also received spontaneous support at the time.
According to several sources, the risk of an uncontrolled escalation is growing. The combination of political stagnation, economic pressure, and protesting farmers is causing nervousness among French authorities. For President Macron, the farmersā protest threatens to become a new national symbol of discontent.