France announces new measures in bid to quell farmers protests
Al Jazeera
French farmers have been protesting against insufficient pay, EU regulations and unfair competition from cheap imports.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has said he is implementing controls on foreign food products in order to guarantee “fair competition” amid farmers’ protests.
In his general policy speech at the National Assembly on Tuesday, Attal told lawmakers that “the goal is clear: guaranteeing fair competition, especially so that regulations that are being applied to [French] farmers are also respected by foreign products.”
He said food retailers who do not comply with a law meant to ensure a fair share of revenues for farmers will be fined, starting immediately.
“We need to listen to the farmers, who are working and are worried about their future and their livelihood,” Attal said.
The prime minister also said he has gathered a coalition of 22 European Union countries to agree on an EU waiver on fallow land.
