French Farmers Lift Pyrenees Road Blockades After Limited Concessions

French Cerdanya farmers lifted their RN20 blockade at Ur on Saturday afternoon, while Ariège groups ended the Tarascó protest overnight into Sunday, though they warned of renewed actions without further concessions on nodular dermatosis protocols.

Christian Tallant, spokesperson for Cerdanya farmers, said the Ur site reopened around 3:45pm after talks with officials produced limited agreements. These include targeting only infected animals rather than entire vaccinated herds, plus a second spring vaccination round. A scientific committee meets in Paris on Monday to assess changes, with approval targeted by January 5. Tallant emphasized vigilance on commitments, including EU-Mercosur trade issues, and potential protests after January 5 if unmet.

At Tarascó, Ariège groups including Confédération Paysanne, Coordinació Rural 09, and Ramaders de l’Alta Ariège lifted the RN20 blockade late Saturday night at Les Bordes-sur-Arize and Sabart roundabout, after 10 days of action. In a joint statement, they rejected any Christmas truce, vowing to continue fighting mass culls nationwide and push for alternative protocols proposed last week. They welcomed expanded vaccination zones and an €11 million support fund but dismissed it as inadequate, criticizing government decisions as politically driven. The groups pledged support for ongoing vaccination and readiness for new cases, while noting solidarity from other French protests.

Protests peaked Friday at Ur with 150 participants and 60 tractors, monitored by French gendarmerie and Spanish Mossos without incident. Andorra's Foreign Minister Imma Tor expressed concern Saturday over holiday disruptions, with limited national leverage despite effects on commerce, travel, and freight.

Alternative routes RD20 Corniches and RD123 (under 2.2m wide) stayed open, though Mobility urged caution on mountain roads. Andbus suspended Toulouse services, canceling bookings; Hife's Acs line operated normally. Freight shifted via Spain. Circulation at Tarascó faced delays Sunday morning due to snow and debris.

Pas de la Casa businesses reported heavy pre-Christmas losses Saturday, with empty streets and few French visitors, offset by some Spanish arrivals and long-haul detours. Traders compared the scene to Covid era, citing year-long woes from smuggling—blamed on French inaction—declining retail appeal, and locals shopping in Encamp or Andorra la Vella. Specific impacts included estancos at €200 versus €2,000 typical weekend takings, clothing shops down 30-70%, over 50% restaurant cancellations. Some restaurateurs noted 15% drops cushioned by Portuguese and Brazilian groups on longer stays, insisting access remained feasible with minor delays and rejecting exaggerated claims of crisis.

Hoteliers forecast over 70% occupancy from Boxing Day, surpassing last year's 55%, fueled by early bookings, snow, and family ski demand. Grandvalira aims for 240km of pistes, Pal Arinsal 90% open, Ordino Arcalís near 100%. French cancellations lingered as a risk until Tarascó cleared. Mobility predicts 251,600 vehicles, with extra lanes at Riu Runer, Baladrà, and other spots; double lanes planned on key routes. Fresh snow forecast on north faces amid wind.