VIDEO – Agricultural crisis: Michel Barnier “moved” by the testimony of a farmer from Dordogne who thought of suicide

Michel Barnier was guest this Friday, November 15 on the show Ma Francepresented by Wendy Bouchard on France Bleu. When discussing the farmers' discomfort, the Prime Minister was able to listen the poignant testimony of Stéphane, a farmer in Dordogne.

This plum producer from Conne-de-Labarde in Bergeracois recounted her financial difficulties after several years of poor harvests, and the problems she encountered with her bank. A situation so delicate thatshe admits to having thought about committing suicide a month ago. “Stress, distress, loneliness… I'm used to dealing with that. But now, suddenly to tell me my employees have worked for the walnut harvests, at the end of the month I'm going tell them 'it's over, I can't afford to pay you', what solutions do I have? she explained before adding: I was hoping that the youngest would take over the farm, but she doesn't want to. Seeing my mother work 13 hours a day and be on the verge of suicide was something she couldn't have dreamed of.”.

The Prime Minister, “moved” by his testimony, replied: I want to tell him that we have to hold on. We must not leave these men and women alone in their distress, their loneliness. There are organizations to help psychologically and financially, we are putting in place emergency aid.” Michel Barnier added that it was necessary “respect and respond to distress.” “I tell the peasants that they can have confidence in the government. I will do everything I can,” he said.