France’s newly appointed prime minister said Tuesday he is implementing controls on foreign food products in order to guarantee “fair competition” amid farmers’ protests.
In his general policy speech at the National Assembly, Gabriel Attal told lawmakers “the goal is clear: guaranteeing fair competition, especially so that regulations that are being applied to (French) farmers are also respected by foreign products.”
He also said food retailers who don’t comply with a law meant to ensure a fair share of revenues for farmers will be fined, starting immediately.
“We need to listen to the farmers, who are working and are worried about their future and their livelihood,” Attal said.
Farmers have for days been protesting across France to put pressure on the government to respond to their demands for better remuneration for their produce, less red tape and protection against cheap imports.
Protesting farmers camped out Tuesday at barricades around Paris to press their case that growing and rearing food has become too difficult and not sufficiently lucrative.
