Wilfried Devillers // Photo credit: Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP 8:25 a.m., February 25, 2024

In parallel with Emmanuel Macron's chaotic visit during the opening of the Salon de l'Agriculture, almost 70,000 visitors made the trip to the Porte de Versailles exhibition center.

Delayed opening, pavilions closed to the public... This first day was not easy for visitors.

The visit will have been eventful.

This Saturday, on the occasion of the opening of the 60th edition of the Salon de l'Agriculture, the President of the Republic went to the Porte de Versailles to make his traditional visit to the event.

In the midst of an agricultural crisis, the police faced numerous farmers angry against the President of the Republic.

The latter spoke with unions and farmers in a debate organized in the morning. 

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A presence that adds fuel to the fire

But for the 68,000 visitors this Saturday, this first day at the largest farm in France did not go as planned.

This is the case for Thierry, who traveled from Morbihan to spend a day at the Agricultural Show with his family.

Emmanuel Macron's visit largely spoiled the party for this former farmer.

"It was a bit of a mess in Hall 1 because we couldn't do what we wanted. I don't find that normal. For me, he monopolized the show even though he knew very well that the tensions were high", he explains at the microphone of Europe 1, before adding: "I think he should have postponed and come in the middle of the week to ease tensions". 

Appeasement is far from being the key word of the day.

The president rather threw fuel on the fire with his presence this Saturday, believes Sabrine.

"He didn't have to cause a lot of disruption. The farmers, he should have helped them a long time ago. Now, coming to the show is not going to solve the problems," she judges. 

Towards more peaceful days?

Pavilion 1 was largely blocked during the morning, while Pavilion 4 was blocked during the afternoon.

Enough to disturb visitors but also exhibitors.

Bruno saw almost only politicians and journalists during the day.

"We paid for a stand which cost us quite a lot and all this afternoon, we saw no one because the hall was blocked, because Mr. President was there. So today, it's a wasted day the exhibition", regrets the exhibitor. 

He now hopes to have more peaceful days while other political figures are expected at the show.

Jordan Bardella, the president of the National Rally, is due to arrive in a few hours.