### French Farmers' Protests: Ongoing Blockades Amid Calls for Holiday Truce French farmers are currently engaged in significant protests against government policies regarding cattle culling and the EU-Mercosur trade deal. Despite the government's appeal for a Christmas truce and the introduction of an €11 million support fund, farmers have continued to block roads, disrupting public spaces during the holiday season. The protests are fueled by dissatisfaction with the government's handling of cattle diseases and trade agreements, leading to a divided response among farmers' unions regarding future actions [https://www.anews.com.tr/world/2025/12/20/french-farmers-continue-road-blockades-despite-calls-for-christmas-truce][https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2025/12/19/french-government-warns-protesting-farmers-against-christmas-blockades_6748682_7.html]. ### Structure of the Current Situation 1. **Protests and Blockades**: Farmers are actively blocking roads as a form of protest against government policies. 2. **Government Response**: The French government has called for a Christmas truce, urging farmers to cease blockades during the holiday season. 3. **Underlying Issues**: The protests are primarily driven by concerns over cattle diseases and the EU-Mercosur trade deal. 4. **Union Division**: Farmers' unions are divided on how to proceed, complicating the resolution of the situation. ### Evidence and Data Supporting the Claims - **Protest Actions**: Farmers have maintained road blockades despite government warnings, indicating a strong commitment to their cause [https://www.anews.com.tr/world/2025/12/20/french-farmers-continue-road-blockades-despite-calls-for-christmas-truce]. - **Government Initiatives**: The government has proposed an €11 million support fund to address farmers' grievances, yet this has not quelled the protests [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3736148-french-farmers-demand-action-as-government-calls-for-christmas-truce]. - **Public Disruption**: The ongoing blockades are disrupting holiday activities, prompting government officials to issue warnings against further disruptions [https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2025/12/19/french-government-warns-protesting-farmers-against-christmas-blockades_6748682_7.html]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Ongoing Protests**: French farmers are continuing their protests, blocking roads despite government calls for a truce. 2. **Government Appeals**: The French government has urged for a Christmas truce, warning against further disruptions during the holiday season. 3. **Key Issues**: The protests are rooted in dissatisfaction with the handling of cattle diseases and the EU-Mercosur trade deal. 4. **Union Response**: Farmers' unions are split on how to respond to the government's initiatives, complicating the resolution of the protests. In conclusion, the situation remains tense as farmers persist in their protests, highlighting significant discontent with government policies and a lack of consensus among unions on how to move forward [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3736148-french-farmers-demand-action-as-government-calls-for-christmas-truce][https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/french-government-calls-for-christmas-truce-in-farmer-protests].