Two Polish citizens were arrested during a large farmers’ protest in Strasbourg where demonstrators used tractors to paralyze traffic.
Polish Citizens Arrested
Radio ZET reported that two Polish citizens were arrested during Tuesday’s farmers’ protest in Strasbourg. French authorities used tear gas and water cannons during the demonstration.
The protest, held on January 20th in front of the European Parliament, was against a trade agreement signed last weekend between the EU and Mercosur.
Thousands of Farmers Demonstrate
Thousands of farmers from France and other countries, including Poland, gathered in Strasbourg. Around noon, demonstrators reached the European Parliament with approximately 800 tractors, causing traffic paralysis throughout the city.
EU buildings where protesters gathered are being secured by numerous French police units. In the morning, farmers met with European Commission representatives and MEPs who will decide on Wednesday whether to refer the agreement to the European Court of Justice.
Opposition to Mercosur Agreement
Arnaud Rousseau, head of the French farmers’ union FNSEA, stated: “We need you to support this resolution. It is about checking whether this agreement is in line with EU law – we have serious doubts about this.”
The Mercosur agreement was signed despite opposition from several European countries, including France and Poland, which failed to form a blocking minority. Food producers particularly fear unfair competition from cheaper imported products from South America.