In a week full of symbolism in France, the most striking image was the sight of armoured cars blocking the path of tractors outside Paris. The city’s first great wall was constructed at the end of the 12th century on the orders of Philip Augustus, but here was a new wall, of armour, erected at the command of Emmanuel Macron. They shall not pass.
And so they didn’t. A few tractors made it as far as the international market at Rungis, five miles south of Paris; their drivers were arrested and held overnight. They were released a short time before Prime Gabriel Attal announced a new set of measures to placate the farmers: stacks of cash and a promise to put the pride back into farming.
Macron appears to take a perverse delight in provoking his subjects, riling them, mocking them, patronising them
The offer has been accepted by the two biggest unions, which announced it was ‘suspending’ the protest, though they have warned the government they will be back if the pledges are not honoured.
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