Video: French Farmers Begin "Total Blockade" of Paris

French farmers are planning to completely blockade Paris starting today and to maintain the blockade for at least five days. Over 600 tractors are expected in the vicinity of the French capital, and at 2:00 PM local time, eight major highways will be closed, according to BFMTV.

The protesters, dissatisfied with rising fuel prices and declining incomes, also plan to disrupt traffic to Paris's two main airports (Charles de Gaulle and Orly) as well as the largest agricultural market in Rungis. In response, French authorities have deployed around 15,000 police for protection.

In France, taxi drivers are also on strike alongside farmers, unhappy with new rules regarding medical transportation for passengers. Mass demonstrations by farmers with agricultural machinery have been ongoing since January 18. Similarly, farmers in Germany, Belgium, Italy, and other European countries protested earlier this January.

Due to the threats of farmers blocking the city, law enforcement has introduced equipment into the Rungis market. Unions are calling for the closure of major highways leading into the capital, aiming to prevent any goods from being delivered to Paris.

President Emmanuel Macron has ordered all necessary measures to keep the airports, as well as the largest agricultural market in Rungis, open.

The primary grievances of the farmers include the import of cheap agricultural products, rising fuel costs, and restrictions on water use for irrigation.