Farmers at the trade fair shouted and booed, called for Macron’s resignation and used foul language against the French leader.
There were several clashes with demonstrators and police arrested at least one of them, a Reuters witness said.
The Paris Farm Show, a major event in France that attracts about 600,000 visitors over nine days, is a political event where presidents and their opponents must interact with the public under intense media scrutiny.
Protests delayed the show’s opening to the public by at least an hour.
I’m saying this for all farmers: you’re not helping any of your colleagues by smashing up stands, you’re not helping any of your colleagues by making the show impossible, and in a way scaring families away from coming, Emmanuel Macron told reporters after his meeting with union leaders.
The French President went on to say he would gather representatives of farmers’ unions and other sector stakeholders at the Elysee Palace three weeks after cancelling a debate he wanted to hold at the fair with farmers, food processors and retailers.
The improvised heated discussion between Macron and protesters was broadcast live on French news channels.
Farmer protests spreading across Europe have raised concerns about their political implications. Protests resumed this week to put pressure on the government to provide more aid and fulfil promises ahead of the Paris farm show.
