French farmers rally in Paris over cattle culling and Mercosur trade deal

Since the start of the year, French farmers have intensified protests, driving tractors into central Paris and setting up blockades near the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Their demands focus on the government's handling of low commodity prices, high production costs, opposition to the Mercosur free‑trade agreement, and a halt to the planned culling of cattle affected by a disease outbreak.

Celebrity former TV host Patrick Sébastien joined the demonstrators, posting a video on Instagram in which he voiced support for the farmers and called for an end to the mass slaughter of cattle. He highlighted the need for vaccination and urged authorities to reconsider the culling policy.

The protests have sparked a broader public debate, with media programs and political figures accusing farmers of using harmful pesticides and questioning the safety of French food. Critics argue that the narrative paints farmers as polluters, while agricultural groups point to recent regulatory reforms and efforts to reduce pesticide use.