Fifty French farmers arrested after entering Ministry building

Since December, farmers have organised demonstrations and erected roadblocks to protest the government’s response to a lumpy skin disease outbreak among cattle, as well as wider dissatisfaction with France’s agricultural policies.

Continued protests despite government pledge

Although Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has promised an “emergency bill” aimed at easing farmers’ difficulties, some protesters continued to block roads and demonstrate on Wednesday, with further sporadic actions planned for Thursday.

Union members occupy part of Ministry

Around 100 members of the Confederation Paysanne union entered part of the ministry building, occupying it for about an hour to voice their rejection of the government’s agricultural policy.

Arrests and legal action

Police said 50 individuals were arrested and taken into custody for “disturbing public order” and several “criminal offences.” A ministry representative has filed a formal complaint.

Union rejects arrests

Confederation Paysanne stated that 52 people were in police custody and called for a gathering outside a police station in northern Paris, denouncing what it described as the government’s “constant contempt” for farmers. The union said the action was peaceful and demanded the release of the activists.

Emergency bill faces opposition

Lecornu said he had instructed Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard to prepare an emergency agriculture bill focused on key priorities including water, predation, and production resources, to be presented ahead of an agricultural show next month. However, unions have rejected the proposal, arguing that it fails to meet their demands.