French police arrest protesting farmers and confiscate tractors (video)
The farmers were heading to Rungis, the largest food market in Europe.
(Sputnik) - More than 90 people were arrested after an attempt to seize the Rungis food market near Paris, the head of the Paris police, Laurent Nunez, told BFMTV.
"We will not tolerate violations of public order and, ultimately, attacks against police officers. That is what happened today in Rungis, when a group of protesters tried to invade. It is obvious that the 'red lines' drawn by the Ministry of the Interior were violated, and the people who participated in this were detained. A total of 91 arrests were made," said Nunez.
French farmers, angered by unfair competition from rivals, said they would drive heavy machinery into Paris to target the food market this week. On Sunday, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin described the planned blockade of Rungis and the airports as a red line for the government and warned that police would use armored vehicles and helicopters to protect them.
Darmanin said on Wednesday that the number of farmers demonstrating across the country against the government's agricultural policies had risen to around 10.000.
In recent weeks, farmers in France have been protesting by blocking highways and dumping manure and waste in front of government buildings across the country. The farmers are demanding recognition of the importance of their profession and denouncing the government's agricultural policies, which they say make them uncompetitive. In particular, they oppose the importation of agricultural products, restrictions on water use for irrigation, rising diesel fuel prices, as well as restrictive measures to protect the environment and the increasing financial burden.