President Macron confirms France will vote against the EU-Mercosur trade pact as farmers blockade Paris over fears of cheap imports and excessive regulation.
PARIS: France will vote against a major trade deal between the European Union and South American nations, President Emmanuel Macron announced.
The decision comes as French farmers blockaded roads into Paris and landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe in protest.
Farmers from the right-wing Coordination Rurale union led the protests, fearing the EU-Mercosur pact will flood the market with cheap food imports.
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Macron stated on social media platform X that France would oppose the agreement in a vote scheduled for Friday.
He said this was despite having secured “major commitments” from the European Commission on the deal.
“The signing of the agreement is not the end of the story,” Macron posted.
Ireland has also stated it will vote against the agreement, according to its deputy prime minister.
However, with Italy’s support reportedly secured by the European Commission, the deal is still likely to be adopted.
The trade agreement is a politically sensitive issue for the French government ahead of municipal elections in March.
French Farm Minister Annie Genevard said France would continue to fight the deal in the European Parliament even if EU members back it.
Parliamentary approval is also required for the agreement to enter into force.
Farmers also protested against high costs, excessive local regulation, and government-mandated cattle culls.
“We are between resentment and despair. We have a feeling of abandonment, with Mercosur being an example,” said union member Stephane Pelletier.
Protesters overran police checkpoints to drive along the Champs-Elysees and block the Arc de Triomphe before gathering at the National Assembly.
National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet was booed and jostled when she attempted to speak with protesters.
Dozens of tractors caused major traffic disruptions on highways leading into the capital.
Farmers from other unions later joined a calm demonstration at the Eiffel Tower.
FNSEA union president Arnaud Rousseau said importing products that do not meet French standards was “unacceptable”.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said more protests were planned across France for Friday. – Reuters
