Macron Faces Tense Atmosphere at Paris Agriculture Fair
Paris, France – French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the 61st International Agriculture Fair in Paris on Saturday, February 22, amidst heightened security and lingering tensions from a chaotic visit last year.
Macron arrived at the fairgrounds around 8 am, greeted by farmers who remain frustrated and organizers wary after the previous year’s incident. "The President must reassure the farmers," said Jérôme Despey, head of the fair and vice-president of the National Federation of Farmers’ Unions (FNSEA).
Despite calls for calm from agricultural unions, there is a sense of unease. Macron plans to receive union leaders privately before the official ribbon-cutting and his tour of the exhibition. Organizers are determined to avoid a repeat of last year’s scenario.
Security Tightened after Chaotic 2024 Visit
In 2024, thousands of people were blocked outside the fair for hours due to clashes between protesters and riot police during Macron’s visit. Macron faced booing, insults, and violence.
To prevent a similar incident, security has been beefed up. A mobile police station and charters to regulate political visits have been put in place. Macron has been advised to avoid a marathon visit, unlike his thirteen-hour tour in 2024.
Farmers Voice Concerns over Trade Agreements and Taxes
This year, farmers are protesting the free trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur, as well as Chinese tariffs and possible similar measures from the new US administration.
"The President will most likely be challenged," warned Arnaud Rousseau, president of the FNSEA, who expects Macron to address international issues. "I hope he will speak to Donald Trump (…) about stopping massive imports that do not meet our standards and lifting constraints that prevent us from being competitive," added Pierrick Horel of the Young Farmers, an FNSEA ally.
Patrick Legras, spokesman for the Coordination Rurale, which made gains in recent elections, said, "It will be tense." He believes Macron will struggle to "explain that we are still negotiating an agreement to import sugar or chicken from Ukraine" – the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, currently under review – citing these products as symbols of "unfair competition."
Government Highlights Support Measures
The government maintains that its commitments have been fulfilled: "€500 million in tax relief in the budget," "cash flow support for farmers in difficulty," "€75 million in compensation for livestock owners affected by epizootics," and the introduction of a single administrative control in October.
On the eve of the fair, Parliament adopted the Agriculture Orientation Law, long awaited by the profession. The law elevates agriculture to the status of "major general interest," simplifies business setup, construction of livestock buildings, and water storage, while decriminalizing certain environmental offenses.
Political Presence Expected
Politicians from across the political spectrum are expected to attend the fair, including Prime Minister François Bayrou on Monday. Despite organizers’ efforts to limit visits to one day per party, Jordan Bardella (RN) plans to be present on Sunday and Monday with a delegation, as he did in 2024, when requests for selfies with the far-right leader contrasted with the President’s visit.
As Macron begins his tour of the fair, he will undoubtedly face a mix of support and skepticism from the agricultural community. The 61st International Agriculture Fair is a major event in France’s political and economic calendar, and it provides a platform for farmers to voice their concerns and seek solutions to the challenges they face.
