French Farmers Ramp Up Protests Against Mercosur Trade Agreement Ahead of G20 Summit
French farmers are intensifying their protests against the contentious trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, as Paris leads a growing resistance against the ratification of a deal that promises to create the world's largest free trade zone. In a coordinated effort, farming unions have vowed to escalate their demonstrations beginning November 18, coinciding with the G20 meetings in Brazil.
Antoine Armand, a spokesperson for the farmers, expressed determination on SudRadio. 'We are employing all means, including institutional and voting at the European level, to ensure that the Mercosur deal is not adopted in its current form,' he stated. France is actively seeking to sway its European partners, many of whom show hesitation regarding the agreement.
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has already communicated to EU chief Ursula von der Leyen that the deal is unacceptable for France, signaling the country's strong opposition. The significant trade pact, involving the 27-member EU and the Mercosur nations—Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay—has been over two decades in the making. While preliminary agreement on the deal was reached in 2019, numerous EU states have blocked its ratification, primarily due to environmental concerns.
Farmers are expressing their anger through demonstrations, with notable protests taking place in both Paris and Brussels. Their main concern revolves around the fear that the trade agreement would inundate Europe with cheaper agricultural products, jeopardizing local farmers’ livelihoods.
Despite vocal opposition from France, EU officials indicate that there is considerable pressure within the European Commission to push the Mercosur deal forward, regardless of France's reluctance. This tension highlights the complexities surrounding international trade negotiations, especially as they pertain to agriculture and environmental standards.
As the G20 summit approaches, the spotlight is on France and its farmers, who are determined to protect their interests against what they view as an unfair competitive disadvantage.
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