STORY: French farmer protests escalate, disrupting A7 motorway
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 25, 2024
DATELINE: Jan. 27, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:57
LOCATION: Paris
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various shots of the A7 motorway between Lyon and Marseille blocked by farmers
2. various shots of tractors blocking traffic on the highway
3. various shots of a group of farmers installed on the traffic lanes

STORYLINE:

In a continuation of the ongoing blockades organized by French farmers, tensions have risen with the blockade of the A7 motorway, the primary route connecting Lyon and Marseille. 

Since Tuesday morning, dozens of tractors have been strategically positioned along the motorway, disrupting traffic flow and causing significant delays for commuters.

The farmers show no signs of relenting, vowing to maintain the blockade until their grievances are addressed.

The blockade has led to extensive traffic congestion on alternate routes, prompting local authorities to close access points to the A7 motorway to alleviate further disruptions. 

With nearly 100,000 vehicles traversing the A7 daily, authorities urge patience among residents and motorists affected by the closures.

Meanwhile, protests in other regions of France have seen farmers depositing manure and agricultural waste in front of prefectures, symbolizing their discontent with government policies.

Farmers across France have mobilized against what they perceive as burdensome taxation and environmental regulations, while also criticizing the administrative complexities faced in managing their operations. 

Similar protests have emerged in other European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, underscoring broader discontent within the agricultural community across the continent.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Paris.
(XHTV)