Dozens of demonstrators forced a gate and confronted the security service inside the Agricultural Show. At the same time, the president is elsewhere in the living room, safe, around a table to meet with union officials.

Members of the majority unions, especially in major cereal crops, were furious to learn that the Elysée wanted to have them debate on Saturday. “It’s a unique meeting place”: The Agricultural Show, anchored in the hearts of the French and the agenda of the political world.