Tensions erupt as Macron attends agricultural fair in France

French President Emmanuel Macron’s arrival at the annual Paris International Agricultural Fair sparked clashes between police and farmers

Dozens of farmers breached security and stormed the traditional Paris International Agricultural Fair as French President Emmanuel Macron arrived, chanting anti-Macron slogans, according to national media reports.

Special police units were dispatched to the fair after the security forces proved insufficient to control the angry crowd.

Chanting “Macron resign,” the farmers stated that they would “remove Macron from the fair with their own hands if necessary.”

Whistling and booing Macron, the farmers threw eggs at the police. There was a brawl between the protesters and the police and some farmers were detained.

Police intervened with the protesters with pepper gas.

It was announced that some areas of the fair will be closed to the public as long as the protest continues. The organizers also postponed the opening of the fair to the public on Saturday.

More than 2,000 people who came to visit the fair were waiting at the gate.

In response to the brawl at the fair, President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that while people have the right to express their anger, violence is not acceptable.

The Paris International Agricultural Fair is known as the key event showcasing the French agricultural sector and promoting advancements in animal breeding.

The traditional fair, which welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors, is attended by leading politicians, including the country’s president.

Reacting to the agricultural policies of the government and the EU in France, farmers blocked roads in and around Paris with their tractors for days.

Source: Newsroom