Recently, concerns have been raised by UN experts over the increasing use of arrests and criminal proceedings against agricultural trade union activities in France. This follows the detention of 52 farmers during peaceful demonstrations in Paris earlier this month. The protests were organized by the Confédération Paysanne in opposition to the EU-Mercosur Deal, an agreement aimed at reducing tariffs and connecting the European market with South American nations.
On January 15, protesters, including a significant number from French overseas regions such as Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Martinique, unfurled banners at the office of the Directorate General of Economic and Environmental Performance of Enterprises to voice their dissatisfaction with the deal. Key union spokespeople were among those arrested. Many among these protesters have voiced concerns over the unfair import costs imposed by the French government, affecting regions beyond mainland France.
Experts have cautioned that arresting these peaceful protesters could infringe upon the freedoms of peaceful assembly, expression, and association protected under both the French Constitution and international law. The deployment of BRavM—a specialized French police unit—raised further alarms regarding the proportionality and necessity of the police response. Farmer advocate groups noted that such measures suggest a heightened criminalization of peaceful assemblies.
The contentious EU-Mercosur Deal, under negotiation for 25 years, seeks greater market integration between EU consumers and South American farmers from Mercosur nations such as Argentina and Brazil. French domestic producers, however, worry that this agreement could undermine their market position. The European Parliament’s recent narrow vote in favor has not quelled concerns, as several French officials demand safeguards to protect European farmers and the environment. Ongoing discussions emphasize the need for regulatory parity and adequate protections before any ratification.
Amplifying these concerns, organizations including La Via Campesina and the European Coordination Via Campesina have condemned the recent detentions. They urge French authorities to halt what they describe as further criminalization of the peasant movement based on reports in JURIST. As more voices join this call, the tension highlights ongoing debates about farmer rights and international trade dynamics in a global economy.