Tensions have risen in France as dozens of farmers protesting for better conditions were arrested at a food market outside Paris. The French government had previously warned that any disruption at Rungis, a major food distribution hub that feeds 12 million people, would not be tolerated. Approximately 91 farmers who gathered at the market are now in police custody.
The farmers' goal is to disrupt food deliveries to supermarkets as they demand better pay and reduced bureaucracy. Rungis, situated on the outskirts of Paris, supplies the city with a significant portion of its fresh produce, making it the world's second-largest market of its kind.
In response to the anticipated protests, police units and armored vehicles were deployed along the A6 motorway leading to the market. Protesters managed to enter the market's storage area and cause damage before being removed by security forces. Paris police chief Laurent Nunez stated that authorities "cannot tolerate disturbances to public order."
This comes amidst a wider dispute across Europe, with farmers in Germany, Poland, Romania, Belgium, and Italy also staging demonstrations. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, just three weeks into his role, has called the agriculture sector "our force and our pride" and promised new support measures in the coming days.
Source: www.bbc.com