Farmers Prepare to Confront Macron at Paris Agricultural Show

Farmers in France are preparing to protest on Saturday against President Emmanuel Macron's visit to a major agricultural exhibition in Paris, amid anger over costs, bureaucracy, and green regulations. Farmers across Europe are demonstrating, demanding better income, reduced bureaucracy, and voicing complaints about unfair competition from cheap Ukrainian goods. The European Union exempted Ukrainian food imports from tariffs in 2022 to support the country's economy following the Russian invasion. A member of France's largest farmers' union, Jean Louvier, noted that "some farmers will try to prevent President Macron from entering the trade show... and if he does, they will disrupt his visit." Macron canceled a discussion session he had planned to hold at the agricultural fair on Saturday with farmers, food manufacturers, and retailers after farmer union representatives indicated they would not attend. The Paris Agricultural Show is a significant event in France, attracting around 600,000 visitors over nine days.