There is a constant in Emmanuel Macron: the President of the Republic systematically explodes the visit times provided for in his program. And this third passage by the "largest farm in France", since he is at the Élysée, was no exception. Quite the contrary. It must be said that the Head of State takes a malicious pleasure in tasting the glasses of wine which are held out to him and in answering all questions, while strolling through the exhibition center, Porte de Versailles, in Paris. From the most serious - pesticides, agricultural pensions - to the most futile - " So, your prognosis for France-Wales ? ". A risky slowness in a tense social context, quick to trap.
Besides, in the morning, the protestor Eric Drouet tries to approach the official delegation. He is turned back by the order service. An activist "yellow vest" manages to approach and exchange with the Head of State. " I experience war every Saturday, " she chokes. Anxious to show that he does not dodge the accusation, Emmanuel Macron promises to receive it at the Élysée Palace, if it " structures a group [of yellow vests]".
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If such an appointment is held, it would be a first. In the afternoon, " Macron president of the rich " or " Macron resignation " resound in the crowd. People who scream are quickly exfiltrated by an impressive police force. However, the rest of the day goes smoothly. Some fans wish him "good luck" or ask for selfies.
This 57th Agricultural Show, more peaceful than in 2018 when Emmanuel Macron had suffered intense whistles, is however marked by the general unease of the agricultural world. “ We need a long-term policy , complains Jean-Luc Poulain, the owner of the Salon. One day we are told to stop glyphosate, another to wait until technical solutions are invented. Ditto for biofuels. The authorities encourage us to go for it, after asking us to stop. We need visibility. "
We fought. We have slightly improved the copy proposed by the European Commission, but it is not finished
Emmanuel Macron, on the CAPThere are also sectoral concerns. The spreading prohibition zones, close to the houses, make the farmers tense. Fishermen worry about the consequences of Brexit. Wine exporters are calling for a "compensation fund" to cushion the shock of US tax increases, set by Donald Trump. And then there is the uncertainty over the budget for the common agricultural policy (CAP). " We fought. We have slightly improved the copy proposed by the European Commission, but it is not finished, ”sums up Emmanuel Macron, while France is the country which receives the most aid.
The head of state, however, arrived with good news in his bag. The pension reform will result in pensions of at least 1000 euros for full careers, which is far from current levels. A subject closely followed in the agricultural world. A woman hails the president: " What are you going to do for the wives of farmers?" Will they benefit from the 1000 euros? Emmanuel Macron stops and launches into a long explanation. " It will depend on the number of hours worked, " he begins.
It is 7:30 p.m. The show is about to close. The loudspeakers urge visitors to leave the premises. But in pavilion 4, Emmanuel Macron - in the living room since 8 am - continues his visit. He is asked about the suicides of the peasants. The head of state points to the " lack of income and prospects ". The exhibition center has almost emptied. However, the president still has several meetings to honor, including the visit to the “Fishing” stand. One month before the municipal elections, no hook should be overlooked.
