The deal is set to be ratified by the European Council tomorrow, but a small group of countries appear likely to vote against it, potentially blocking its approval.

They fear the planned agreement may flood the country with cheap food imports. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

PARIS, Jan 8 - French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that France would vote against the signing of the free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc of South American nations on Friday. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The deal would bring limited economic benefits to France and the EU, French President Emmanuel Macron says.

French farmers staged a large-scale protest in Paris on Thursday, driving tractors into the city and blocking major landmarks, including the Arc de Triomphe and stretches of the Champs-Élysées. The demonstration was triggered by concerns over a free trade agreement the European Union is set to sign with the South American Mercosur bloc, as well as complaints about how the government is handling a recent outbreak of lumpy skin disease among cattle.

Protesting French ​farmers entered ⁠the centre of Paris and reached the ​Eiffel Tower ‍on Thursday amid ​anger over a free-trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur South American ‍bloc. 

Protesting French ​farmers entered ⁠the centre of Paris and reached the ​Eiffel Tower ‍on Thursday with more ​heading to the French ​capital amid ​anger over a free trade agreement between the European ‌Union and South American ‍bloc Mercosur and the way the government is handling a cattle disease. France24 Reporter Clovis Casali is in front of the Arc de Triomphe with the latest.