French Farmers Blockade RN20 Over Lumpy Skin Disease Cull Protests

French farmers protesting lumpy skin disease culls maintained their blockade of the RN20 at Tarascon-sur-Ariège's Sabart roundabout into Monday evening, with between 70 and 120 demonstrators present alongside tractors and trucks. The action, now in its fifth day since Friday, forced heavy vehicles over 19 tonnes, buses and caravans onto narrow mountain detours like the RD20, while light vehicles faced delays. No buses from France reached Andorra on Tuesday due to the restrictions.

The protest, led by Coordination Rurale de l’Arieja president Sébastien Durand, opposes whole-herd slaughters following the culling of 207 cattle at a Bordes-sur-Arize farm after one confirmed case. Farmers demand targeted culls, nationwide vaccination expansion to 600,000-1 million cattle in southwest France, and proof of vaccine effectiveness. Durand warned of indefinite blockades, including potential direct action at Pas de la Casa, to draw Paris's attention. Cerdanya French Farmers spokesman Christian Tallant echoed this, threatening full cutoffs next week without policy changes before school holidays.

Filtered access continued intermittently at Latour-de-Carol (Tor de Querol) and Vilafranca de Conflent (RD66), but both lifted by Sunday evening after Andorran diplomatic efforts. A planned Croisade junction blockade was averted through prefecture contacts. France's Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visited Occitanie on Monday for farmer talks and a bovine vaccination launch, announcing broader rollout and reinforced health measures. Outcomes remain pending.

Pas de la Casa bore the brunt, with streets quieter than a typical winter weekend and French visitors down sharply. Two buses carrying 150 people and a ski club coach turned back Saturday; traders likened activity to a weekday. Chamber of Commerce president Josep Maria Mas and merchant Fabrice Dupré, speaking for the Economic and Social Council, reported losses and warned of Christmas risks, including NeuFest. Association president Òscar Ramon noted moderate impacts so far but flagged Natal campaign threats. Encamp councillor Nino Marot confirmed effects.

Andorra's government pressed French prefectures, stressing the Principality "cannot be the main victim" of a dispute it did not cause. Agriculture Minister Guillem Casal praised preventing Croisade action, noted over 70% of local herds vaccinated with 100% targeted soon under movement curbs, and understood grievances but offered no resolution. Borders remained open, though slowed.

Opposition Social Democratic Party's Pere Baró submitted written questions Monday, seeking details on diplomatic efforts, French intelligence, contingency plans, economic assessments and Pas de la Casa impacts, citing "real" effects on tourism and daily life.

Authorities urged road status checks, delays and avoiding non-essential trips as the situation depends on Paris-Occitanie dialogue.