Farmers Protest in France Against Fuel Tax Rise: Government Seeks Solutions

France is facing widespread protests from farmers as a fuel tax increase triggered demonstrations and road blockades across the country. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who is dealing with his first major crisis since taking office, summoned ministers to address the concerns and prevent potential blockades in Paris.

Farmers, expressing long-standing grievances, are demanding aid measures as they feel squeezed between supermarket and industrial buyers, environmental regulations, and the government’s decision to phase out a tax break on diesel fuel for farm machinery by 2030. The protests have seen rare unity among rival farmers’ unions, with concerns of a repeat of the 2018-19 “yellow vest” protests.