French Farmers Protest EU Trade Deal Amid Tariff Elimination

European farmers have been protesting the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which eliminates tariffs on over 90% of trade between the EU and several South American countries, fearing it undermines local agriculture and threatens their livelihoods. These protests, marked by disruptive actions such as tractor blockades and dumping manure on city streets, reflect widespread discontent among small and sustainable farmers who feel increasingly marginalized by both EU policies and powerful agricultural unions. The deal is seen by some leaders as a strategic response to rising global trade tensions and as an alternative to a bipolar world order dominated by major powers. The ongoing farmer protests highlight the broader political and economic ramifications of global trade agreements on domestic agricultural sectors.