Yoan Valat / Epa
The contestation of farmers in France is gaining strength with the Coordination Rurale militant union, known for wearing yellow hats in the protests, and the far right is capitalizing the revolt.
In the undulating hills of Gasconha, a rural rebellion is threatening dictate the course of French politics.
On the front line is Coordination Rurale, the Militant Union of Farmers known for its Characteristic Yellow Hats and by its challenging position against power. Once a marginal movement, the group recently increased its influence, challenging Fnsea (National Federation of Agricultural Workers Unions), long dominant, and aligning with the populist rhetoric of the French far-right.
The yellow hats have made headlines with their bold protest tactics, which include road blocks, supermarket vandalization, traffic radar coverage and dumping in government buildings.
Its message is clear: farmers are fed up with environmental regulation, European Union’s trade policies, and what they consider to be urban elites to impose meaningless rules on rural life. Now, yours increasing influence It is transforming rural France into a new political battlefield before the 2027 presidential elections.
“If no cars are burned, it is not recognized”
The roots of the movement date back at the beginning of the 90swhen the EU restructured its agricultural subsidies program, replacing prices guaranteed with payments related to environmental conditions. This change caused discontent, especially among farmers, who saw it as a betrayal of traditional agriculture. Since then, Coordination Rurale has been affirmed as the voice of rural resistance-and has found a new impetus in recent years.
The rudder of the movement is Serge Bousquet-Cassagnea controversial figure. Known for his belligerent rhetoric and his 17 clashes with the law, Bousquet-Cassagne is the example of the union’s combative style.
“In this country, If cars are not burned, not recognized”He told a crowd that he applauded him. His political tendencies are equally provocative, having called the leader of the national meeting, Jordan Bardella,” our last hope. “
Although not all members adopt their ideology, the charisma and the challenge of Bousquet-Cassagne greeted a worship status within the movement.
Or rural manual of Le Pen
The rise of coordination rural coincides with a broader political change: rural France is increasingly tilting for Marine Le Pen’s national far-right meeting. For a long time the disillusioned industrial workers party, the base of Le Pen expanded to include farmers In difficulties, frustrated with globalization, environmental regulation and what they consider to be an elitist political class centered on Paris.
At Salon International de L’Arpriculture, in February, one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in France, Le Pen was treated as a rock star and received with chants of “Marine PRE -SUBMITTE!”, Surrounded by admirers in search of selfies.
The polls confirm this trend. An inquiry carried out in 2023 revealed that 62% of yellow hats supporters They prefer the national meeting or the most extremist party regain. It is twice the fee registered between the supporters of Fnsea and far above the national average of the party.
Rural rebellion produces real gains
The growth of Rurale coordination is not just symbolic. In February, the Union dramatically expanded its influencegaining control of 14 local agricultural chambers, against just three in 2019. These cameras have a significant influence on local agricultural policy, including subsidies distribution and regulatory application.
One of the union’s rising stars is Lionel Candelonan old soldier who has become Creator of Ducks and currently directs the local agricultural chamber in Gers. Candelon, like his mentor Bousquet-Cassagne, has a special talent for political theater. He gained notoriety in 2017 by protesting against imports of cheap east European ducks and, more recently, for leading efforts to cover 179 regional transit radars with tractor tires and fertilizer bags, explains the politician.
But his rise was not exempt from controversy. Candelon was fined 2023 by have made death threats online Against local veterinarians during an outbreak of avian flu. He also conflicted with the environmental authorities, even closing the Biodiversity French Office as a protest. Although he claims to reject violence, he defends the union’s aggressive tactics as a necessary civil disobedience.
“We know that When we annoy the government, things start to move”Says Candelon, challengingly.
The main claims
The main complaint of the yellow hats lies in what they consider to be an unfeasant and inconsistent regulatory framework. Many complain about the rules imposed by the EU about the Pesticide Usethe cut of hedges and the construction of watersheds, which say they are disadvantaged from the reality of agriculture.
Farmers like Gégory Julien and David Palacin argue that these policies are paralyzing. “We are imposed on us rules that make no sense on the ground,” Julien complains. Palacin, who generates a diverse cattle breeding company near Auch, points out business agreements such as EU-Mercosul as existential threats. “Shortly, We will be prohibited from using glyphosate”He warns, as long as cheaper imports from countries with less demanding standards continue to arrive.
The feeling is clear: French farmers feel trapped between environmental idealism and economic survival. And the Rurale coordination is channeling this anger.
Despite its popularity, the union’s confrontation approach has raised criticism. Opponents such as Sylvie Colas, from Confederation Paysanneon the left, accuse the Rurale coordination of foster a culture of intimidation. “It’s trumpper,” he says. “There is a constant climb to the point of getting the impression that management is limited to lie down and let things happen.”
With rural France embracing populist policy, the 2027 presidential race may be decided not in Paris or Marseille, but in the quiet pastures of Gashanha.
