In France, farmers who oppose the European Union's environmental regulations have blocked expressways heading to the capital Paris, raising concerns about disruption to distribution. Protests by farmers are occurring across Europe, and agricultural policy is likely to be one of the issues in the EU parliamentary elections to be held this year.
In France, farmers across the country are complaining that the EU's environmental regulations for farmers are too strict against the backdrop of inflation and soaring fuel costs, and protests include blocking major highways with agricultural tractors. It's happening one after another.
On the 29th, a group formed by farmers' associations from all over the country blocked eight expressways in the suburbs heading towards Paris, including about 50 tractors on the expressway about 10 kilometers north of Paris. The platform has joined the blockade.
A male farmer who participated said, ``There are so many regulations imposed by the EU, the costs are too high, and we can't compete with products from outside the region. We can't continue farming under these conditions.''
Regarding the recent protests, Prime Minister Atal announced on the 26th measures such as postponing the fuel tax increase, but this has not brought the situation under control and there are concerns about disruption to distribution.
In Europe, farmers dissatisfied with the agricultural policies of the EU and their own countries are holding a series of protests in countries such as Germany and the Netherlands.
Agricultural policy is expected to be one of the issues in the EU parliamentary elections to be held in June this year, and it has been pointed out that far-right and right-wing parties may tap into these dissatisfaction and expand support.