France: in Lyon, angry farmers take to blocking the highway

Lyon, France

05/01/2026

French farmers' ongoing grievances - ranging from financial difficulties for the profession to a potential agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries, as well as a spreading cow disease - have made them block highways in protest across the country. South of the city of Lyon, around fifty farmers have also blocked the A7/M7, one of the key north-south highways in France. The farmers plan on staying put for several days, installing tents around their tractors. The protest almost immediately caused lengthy traffic disruptions in the area.