Protesting farmers enter Paris on tractors

French farmers drove tractors into Paris yesterday to protest a proposed free-trade deal they fear would expose them to unfair competition.

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Dozens of tractors entered the capital before dawn, driving through central areas with some reaching the Eiffel Tower and others gathering near the Arc de Triomphe. The protest was organised by the Rural Confederation union.

"We said we would come to Paris - and here we are," said Ludovic Ducloux, a co-head of one of the union's chapters.

Some tractors carried banners reading "No to Mercosur", referring to the European Union's proposed free-trade agreement with four South American countries.

The EU-Mercosur deal would create the world's largest free-trade area and allow the 27-member bloc to export more vehicles, machinery, wine and spirits to Latin America.