Anger of the farmers: the punchy action at the Casino des Prés-d'Arènes, in Montpellier

À l'entrée du parking de la grande surface, un feu qui marque la colère des agriculteurs. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

Fumier dispersé dans le parking, feu de la Saint-Jean, circulation bloquée, palmiers incendiés du rond-point… Le passage des agriculteurs aux Prés-d'Arènes n'est pas passé inaperçu ce vendredi. 

In addition to the prefecture square, farmers increased operations this Friday in Montpellier. Among their main targets: mass distribution. Carrefour Saint-Jean-de-Védas, the Leclerc drive… and the Casino des Prés-d'Arènes. Where the farmers dumped many loads: manure scattered in the aisles of the parking lot, straw to light a fire at the entrance to the hypermarket parking lot. .. 

We're not passing anymore! The manure blocks the entrance to the parking lot. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

"The cabbage here is 5.95 € while the farmer sells it for 70 centimes, explains Jérôme, giving instructions to the farmers around him. You see the margin he there is! It must be deleted. And all these products purchased in Spain and Morocco even though they do not have at all the same specifications as us, they put what they want in their tomatoes and yet their products return to France." 

At the Casino des Prés-d'Arénes, their action, their anger did not go unnoticed. To the point that the brand even closed its doors when a handful of farmers entered the supermarket. Without aggression and on good terms with the staff.

A manure spreader in action in the alleys leaves traces. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

"They are right!, indicates Gérard, seated in one of the gallery's cafes. Everything is increasing and their income is not increasing." At his side, Hassan is less conciliatory:"I understand them because they can't make a living from their work but we can demonstrate without breaking a sweat." One of the shopkeepers in the gallery is angry: "It's twenty past twelve, my day is ruined, it's dead. My clients have left, it's already difficult to work. I have nothing to do with their troubles." 

Noon thirty, time for a snack

12:30 p.m., the convoy leaves the Casino, but not the Prés-d’Arènes. It's time to have a bite to eat. The roundabout median is the ideal place. The gathering is festive, less so for motorists who drive around with difficulty, if at all. The aperitif, the oysters, the sausage, everyone contributes with a smile. Until one of the famous palm trees on the roundabout caught fire, the fire grew and the flames spread to other palm trees. Then to a parked car. The convoy speeds by, the motorists too, honking loudly, the police manage the traffic as best they can, the fire siren gets closer. End of the festivities at Prés-d'Arènes.

The picnic on the roundabout is cut short: a palm tree catches fire. The flames spread to the one next door, then to the car. Free Midday

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