REPLAY: Farmers’ mobilization near Montpellier this Sunday, described as a ‘declaration of war on rural life’
The farmers’ mobilization in the Hérault region, which took place this Sunday, December 14, 2025, brought to light the growing anger of farmers in the face of the policy of culling cattle herds affected by bovine dermatosis. The events that unfolded throughout the day near Montpellier were marked by blockades and a determination to “establish a long-term presence.” The Confédération Paysanne (Farmers’ Confederation) set the tone by advocating for an alternative management of the disease, denouncing a government approach perceived as more threatening than the disease itself.
A roundabout stormed
This Sunday morning, approximately 80 farmers gathered at the roundabout at the entrance to the A9 motorway between Vendargues and Baillargues, near Montpellier. This strategic location has become the symbol of their fight against the government’s handling of the lumpy skin disease (LSD) epidemic currently devastating cattle herds. The choice of location for the gathering is not arbitrary, as it allows them to make their voices heard and draw attention to the urgency of their situation.
The culling strategy called into questionThe farmers, supported by the Confédération Paysanne (Farmers’ Confederation), denounce the policy of systematically culling infected herds, which they consider ineffective and devastating for small farms. Nicolas Vitou, representative of the Confédération Paysanne in the Hérault region, described this policy as
“a declaration of war against the rural world.”
His determination is unwavering, and he affirmed that the farmers are prepared to maintain their presence at this roundabout indefinitely until the government makes an announcement to reverse the current trend.
Drafting actions
The war of nerves began near major highways, where farmers staged slow-moving protests, slowing traffic and setting up rolling roadblocks. Actions continued throughout the day, with groups of protesters traveling along the A9 and A709 to maintain pressure on authorities through calculated disruptions. This procession of farm vehicles advanced slowly, highlighting their determination and amplifying the scope of their demands. Calls for action and solidarity Alongside the farmers, local political figures took a stand to support the movement. Carole Delga, president of the Occitanie region, took the initiative to ask the Prime Minister to facilitate dialogue in order to manage the rising tension. For her part, Annie Genevard, Minister of Agriculture, announced her intention to visit the region to participate in the rollout of vaccination measures. However, some consider these proposals to be symbolic gestures with little real impact on resolving the current crisis.Regional Mobilization The protest movement in Occitanie is not limited to the Hérault department. Similar actions are taking place in other departments, highlighting widespread opposition across the region. In Haute-Garonne, near the A64 motorway, blockades have continued for several days, orchestrated by what are now known as the “A64 Ultras.” This group, prepared for a long-term confrontation, has adopted an unconventional rhetoric to mark their presence in a unique way. For more information on the key players in previous iterations of this movement, visit these links: upcoming actions in the Hérault ,incredible mobilization