French farmers launched a pre-dawn blockade of roads into Paris and several of the city's landmarks in protest against a sweeping trade deal the European Union hopes soon to sign with South American nations as well as other local grievances. 2 6 Flags of Coordination Rurale union are placed on tractors parked at Porte d'Auteuil, as French farmers protest against the government's handling of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement and the handling of the lumpy skin disease outbreak, in Paris, France January 8, 2026. 3 6 Tractors are parked in front of the Arc de Triomphe as French farmers protest against the government's handling of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement and the handling of the lumpy skin disease outbreak, in Paris, France January 8, 2026. Rome's support for the deal would mean the EU had the votes needed to approve the trade accord with or without French support. near tractors parked in front of the Arc de Triomphe as French farmers protest against the government.

Source: The Telegraph January 08, 2026 08:20 UTC