Their fury was sparked by President Macron's attendance. The farmers swarmed the event shortly after Macron's arrival, leading to altercations and several arrests by the police. Later, Macron appealed for nonviolent protest.

The previous day, farmers in Paris rallied for lower production costs and equitable enforcement of agricultural import laws.

French farmers, echoed by European counterparts, are voicing distress over dwindling incomes, rising regulations, and the impact of free trade agreements that introduce inexpensive foreign products into their market.