French Farmers Begin a Two-Day Protest in Strasbourg: News Digest

French farmers begin a two-day protest in Strasbourg, heavy rain causes flash floods in Southern France, US President Donald Trump threatens France with a 200% tariff on its wines and champagnes, and the Prime Minister plans to use the controversial Article 49.3 to push through France’s 2026 Budget without a vote. Here are the headlines from French Newspapers this week.

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French Farmers Begin a Two-Day Protest in Strasbourg

Today, thousands of French farmers have begun a major two-day protest in Strasbourg, bringing more than 700 tractors to the European Parliament to oppose the EU-Mercosur free trade deal that was passed on 9 January. Farmers argue that the deal, which passed despite France’s opposition to the deal, will expose them to unfair competition from South America’s agricultural imports. 

The planned action has been organised by France’s main agricultural union, Fédération Nationale des Syndicats d’Exploitants Agricoles, FNSEA, and its youth branch Jeune Agriculteurs (JA). The groups plan to continue their protests as European MEPs vote on the deal tomorrow, including a separate protest scheduled to take place outside the Duke of Brittany’s Castle in Nantes.

The number of tractors in Strasbourg has led to major disruption across the city, with hundreds of vehicles blocking and slowing traffic around the European District and near the European Parliament. Authorities have warned of road closures, heavy congestion, and access restrictions, particularly around EU institutions, while several bus and tram services are disrupted, making travel difficult for commuters and visitors until the protest ends on Thursday.

Flash Floods in Southern France

Heavy rain in southern France has triggered flash flooding that forced the evacuation of homes in parts of Narbonne and surrounding communes after rivers in the Aude and Hérault départements burst their banks. The waters have submerged cars, prompted military support, school closures and the creation of emergency shelters. Around 30 roads remain closed, and thousands of homes are without power. Officials report minimal serious injuries so far as weather alerts continue.

Trump Threatens 200% Tariff on French Wines

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes in an effort to pressure French President Emmanuel Macron into joining his new ‘Board of Peace’ initiative aimed at tackling global conflicts, starting with Gaza — a move Macron is reported to be declining. Trump said if Macron won’t join, he’ll introduce expensive tariffs for French wine exports. The threat has alarmed French wine producers and comes amid broader disputes between America and the EU over the president’s divisive hope to take control of Greenland from Denmark.

Prime Minister to Push 2026 Budget Without Vote

France’s Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has confirmed he will invoke the controversial Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to force the 2026 state budget into law without a vote in the National Assembly, after months of stalled negotiations failed to produce a parliamentary majority for the bill. 

The move comes despite an earlier pledge not to use the provision, and he says it will apply to a revised, slimmer budget text. Using Article 49.3 opens the government to motions of no confidence from opposition parties, but Socialist Party leaders have signalled they will instruct their MPs not to support such motions, making it unlikely the government will fall. The decision reflects deep political deadlock over the budget after attempts to find a compromise failed.