The French Agitation

French farmers have caused a blockade in Paris. The new development comes amid trade talks between the French government and the Mercosur trade bloc. The farmers have agitated in fear as their interests might be hampered by the new trade deal. The French market would be inundated by cheap agricultural products from South American nations, ignoring the plight of French farmers. The government in France should be wiser, and protect the interests of its farmers and address their concerns forthrightly. The agricultural deal with the trade bloc should not reignite the fear of globalization and free trade among the farming community. Most trade deals suffice to introduce a profit in the market. The farmers concerns must be addressed by the French government. Most nations that profit through trade deals do not assume it to be a zero-sum game, but an extraneous advantage that its market might accrue. The fears that famers have should be dealt with in this season of change. The new trade deal, if it goes through the bureaucratic tables, will give the French consumers access to cheaper goods, provided prices are kept controlled, otherwise, more products from the foreign market enhance competition, and give consumers more choices to partake in. The French farmers should be given the first advantage compared to foreign traders.

The government has a role to play, and it must address the concerns of farmers. Most agricultural communities are not against competition and have the responsibility to feed their nation. Thus is the case with the French farmers. The new trade deals with the Mercosur bloc might not work in the immediate future and should be given more time. The recent agitation by the farmers brings to the light the uncertainties that free market brings to a society. The French market should be considered more important for the French consumers. France has had a protectionist economic past and it should give more economic thought to the changes that it seeks to bring. The French government should not allow the interests of the agricultural community to be hampered and at the same time, must consider the advantages that new market might bring to their society. More goods on the food plate should be considered salient and comfortable. The interests of the French farmers must be protected, and concessions should be provided to them. The interests of the farmers should be considered first by the government and it must give them the attention that they deserve. The farmers’ agitation in the streets of Paris should not come as a surprise.  

Yuvraj Saharan

Capital Report