Martin Lange // Photo credit: SATHIRI KELPA / ANADOLU / ANADOLU VIA AFP 8:41 p.m., February 2, 2024
The call to suspend the actions, launched yesterday by the main unions, was heard by the mobilized farmers. However, nine highways remained closed this afternoon according to Vinci. The hundreds of farmers who left Agen decided to turn back starting this Friday morning.
The initial goal of the mobilization of farmers in Agen - to block the Rungis market - may not have been achieved, but the popular momentum is not denied on the return journey. In each village crossed, dozens, even hundreds of people greet the passing tractors with olas, signs of encouragement and sometimes honking.
“We will not forget them”
As the convoy passed through Salbris, in Sologne, Marc, leaning on his gate, did not want to miss this moment: "We already supported them the day before yesterday evening when they passed. It's an impressive procession on a small road like "That. It was important to support them. They don't have a salary at the end of the month, we let them down, we don't take care of them. It's still a French heritage."
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Even on the highway, farmers continue to be cheered by the motorists they pass in the other direction of traffic, but also on the bridges where local residents have gathered. This fervor has accompanied them since their departure from Agen and boosts their morale on this day of return: “We had an extraordinary and fabulous welcome throughout our journey,” explains Didier, member of the convoy. “They came with their families to bring us food, even though we were bothering them by blocking their bridge. We will not forget them and I think they will not forget the Agen convoy.”
The convoy stops this Friday evening in Limoges. Some decided to continue driving to reach their farm during the night. The others will hit the road again tomorrow, still in their tractor, at a maximum speed of 40km/h.