Farmers storm Paris with tractors to protest EU-Mercosur free trade agreement

French farmers forced their way into central Paris with around 100 tractors on Thursday to protest the EU’s intention to sign the Mercosur free trade agreement with South American nations, despite police blockades meant to keep them out of the capital, Euronews writes.

The French Interior Ministry said about 20 tractors reached the French capital’s city center, with some parking near the Arc de Triomphe and others demonstrating in front of the Eiffel Tower.

The protest was organized by the Rural Coordination union to pressure France’s government, which opposes the trade deal covering Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. French farmers say the agreement would damage their livelihoods.