Farmers Escalate Protests in Rhône Region,Blocking Roads and Rallying in Lyon
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Lyon,France – Farmers across the Rhône region of France are continuing widespread protests,disrupting traffic and demonstrating against current agricultural policies. Demonstrations intensified on Thursday, January 8, 2026, with road blockades and a planned rally in Lyon city centre.
Road Blockades and “Fires of Anger”
Farmers have maintained a blockade of the M7 highway near Oullins-Pierre-Bénite since Monday, causing notable travel disruptions. Alongside the highway closure, farmers have established “fires of anger” – protest campfires – in various locations throughout the Rhône department, signaling their widespread discontent.
Rally Planned in Lyon
A major demonstration is scheduled for this evening, January 8, at approximately 6:00 PM, in front of the Rhône prefecture in Lyon’s 3rd arrondissement. The rally is intended to coincide with a meeting with Fabienne Buccio, the prefect of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. According to a statement released by the young Farmers and FDSEA 69 unions, the mobilization aims to “challenge the State and demand immediate, concrete political decisions commensurate with the crisis facing agriculture.”
Escalation of regional Protests
The protests are not limited to the Rhône department.In the neighboring Ain department, farmers gathered on Wednesday to protest by dumping produce, including carrots and potatoes, in front of the prefecture in Bourg-en-Bresse. This follows a similar demonstration in Lyon on December 18, 2025, where a procession of tractors moved through the city center [[1]].
Underlying Concerns: EU-Mercosur Trade Deal
While local issues contribute to the unrest, a primary driver of the protests is opposition to the European union’s proposed free trade agreement with Mercosur – a trade bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. French farmers fear the deal will lead to an influx of cheaper agricultural products from south America, undercutting domestic producers [[2]]. Concerns center on the potential for lower standards and unfair competition, particularly impacting French and European agricultural industries [[3]].
Key Takeaways
- Farmers are protesting across the Rhône region, blocking roads and rallying in lyon.
- The protests are driven by concerns over agricultural policies and the proposed EU-Mercosur trade deal.
- Farmers are demanding immediate action from the government to address the crisis in the agricultural sector.
- Demonstrations are escalating,with farmers employing increasingly visible tactics to draw attention to their concerns.