Emmanuel Macron affirmed this Monday at the G20 in Rio de Janeiro that France was “notnot isolated“in his opposition”in the state” has the trade agreement between the European Union and Latin American countries of Mercosur, affirming that several countries “join“. For the French president, “the text is based on prerequisites which are obsolete“. Already on Sunday, from Argentina, he announced that France “will not sign as it stands” the draft agreement with Mercosur.
“We have been working for several months, several years. So we gather, we gather“, added Emmanuel Macron. Among those who have the same concerns as France, he cited Poland, Austria, Italy et “several others in Europe“. Italian Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida spoke out on Monday against the draft agreement in its current form.
“I have always protected our farmers”
Emmanuel Macron explained that he “propose“to Brazilian President Lula to initiate”new work to try to develop a joint investment framework, but which protects“French and European agriculture, recalling that France opposes the importation of agricultural products which do not respect the same environmental and health rules.
Statements that fall within the framework of the great mobilization of French farmersnotably against Mercosur. “I have always protected our farmers. They know that when I make promises, I keep them“, Emmanuel Macron said again from the G20. To be sure of being able to oppose the signing of Mercosur, France must bring together a blocking minority within the European Union.
The government will propose a vote in Parliament
The government will propose a debate in Parliament followed by a vote on this controversial trade agreement, Matignon announced on Tuesday. The government is proposing this debate in accordance with article 50-1 of the Constitution. Through this article, the government can, on its own initiative or at the request of a parliamentary group, make a declaration on a specific subject giving rise to a debate, or even a vote, without incurring liability.
Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon had on TF1 this Tuesday indicated that she wanted “in a personal capacity”, that “there can be a debate in the National Assembly followed by a vote”, in order to “strengthen the position which is that of the president and that of the Prime Minister”.
“It is legitimate for the National Assembly to be able to express itself on the issue, there are many deputies who are concerned because they have farmers in their constituencies and, in general, because it concerns all French”, completed Maud Bregeon.
France “will continue to hold the standoff”
The government spokesperson also promised that France would continue “to hold a standoff for as long as necessary” with the President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen against the free trade treaty.
For her, the agreement with the Mercosur countries defended by several large countries of the European Union, such as Germany or Spain, “constitutes unfair competition that is absolutely unacceptable for our breeders, because it is not ecologically consistent and in particular with regard to the Paris Agreement.”
