Protests were planned across the country, including gatherings at local government offices and traffic circles. A group used tractors to block a highway south of Paris in the lead-up to this week's events.

A controversial trade deal between the EU and South America's Mercosur bloc is back in the spotlight with rekindled optimism that the two sides could conclude an agreement before the year is over.On the South American side,

French farmers are mobilizing for widespread protests Monday, targeting the controversial EU-Mercosur trade agreement

Farmers will protest across France on Monday as the prospect of a trade deal between European and Mercosur countries sharpens discontent over foreign competition that fuelled a farming crisis earlier this year.

French farmers block a road to protest a trade deal between the EU and South America's Mercosur bloc:: Velizy-Villacoublay, France:: November 17, 2024A push by the European Union and South America's Mercosur bloc to conclude long-running trade negotiations by the end of the year has rekindled anger in France.

French farmers block road with tractors in protest against EU-Mercosur free trade deal French farmers block road near Paris with tractors, in protest against EU-Mercosur free trade deal and as French President Emmanuel Macron is on tour in Latin America.