French farmers aim to put Paris ‘under siege’ in tractor protest. Activists hurl soup at ‘Mona Lisa’

By SYLVIE CORBET
Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — France’s interior ministry has ordered a large deployment of security forces around Paris as angry farmers threatened to head toward the capital. The order came hours after climate activists hurled soup at the glass protecting the “Mona Lisa” painting at the Louvre Museum. French farmers are putting pressure on the government to respond to their demands for better remuneration for their produce, less red tape and protection against cheap imports. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said 15,000 police officers are being deployed, after an emergency meeting. Darmanin ordered security forces to “prevent any blockade” of Rungis International Market and Paris airports.