French farmers escalated their protests against the EU-Mercosur free-trade agreement by dumping piles of manure outside the 'Direction départementale des Territoires' office in downtown Tours. The symbolic act reflects their mounting frustration and demands for government intervention, as farmers across the country voice concerns over the potential for unfair competition from South American imports. While countries like Germany and Spain push for a swift deal, opposition from Poland, echoed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has added to the growing controversy. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES