On Monday, February 10, a group of farmers from the Pyrenees chain plans to organize a symbolic blockade at the border on the A63 in Anglet. This action reflects a growing discontent regarding free trade agreements, particularly the Mercosur. Farmers want to draw the attention of public authorities to their demands and fight against the harmful impact of these agreements on their activities.
Details of the blockade
The blockade point is scheduled at the Anglet Sud exit on the A63, starting at 10 a.m. The mobilization activities are expected to gather several farmers, who will first meet at the Briscous karting track before heading towards the planned exit. The prefecture of Pyrénées-Atlantiques has already alerted road users, advising them to exercise caution and to plan their travels in advance to avoid inconveniences.
Mobilization without unions
This initiative is distinguished by its lack of visible union logos or banners. However, several unions have relayed the initiative to their members, thus demonstrating the importance and unity of the claims put forward by the farmers. This movement, organized collectively, highlights the farmers’ desire to be heard without being tied to traditional structures.
Claiming against Mercosur
The farmers are primarily protesting against the Mercosur, a free trade agreement between Europe and South America, which they consider devastating for their profession. The themes of their demands also include the harmonization of agricultural standards between France and Europe, as well as requests regarding the tax exemption for energies used in agriculture. These points are deemed essential to ensure the economic viability of local farms.
Coordination with Spain
The mobilization is not unique to France; it is part of a broader movement, with blocking actions planned in Spain by Catalan farmers. The French farmers, in solidarity with their neighbors, aim to create a united front to defend their rights and working conditions. This coordination underscores shared concerns across borders regarding agricultural policies that are deemed inadequate and that farmers wish to see evolve.
Conclusion of the event
With this action, the Pyrenean farmers hope not only to raise public awareness about their issues but also to encourage institutions to rethink their positions and take into account the realities on the ground. The planned blockades throughout this day could create significant delays for users of the A63 motorway, signaling the strength and urgency of their message.
To learn more about the specifics of the Mercosur agreement, you can consult the article available at this link.
Similar protests regularly occur at the border. You can read more about similar events on this site.
