2024-11-26 23:40:00
The National Assembly approved, on Tuesday evening, the government’s declaration that opposes the signing of the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur (the common market of five Latin American countries), in its current version. 484 votes in favor of the declaration and 70 against. The government did not obtain the hoped-for unanimity.
It was La France insoumise (LFI) that failed. LFI deputies voted against the declaration, believing that the government was not against the treaty “as it is”. “A good agreement with Mercosur is not possible”said Arnaud Le Gall (LFI, Val-d’Oise). Indeed, the Minister of Agriculture, Annie Genevard, and the Minister of Foreign Trade, Sophie Primas, did not defend an anti-free trade position. Like the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, they hope for the inclusion of mirror clauses in the draft agreement, i.e. which impose the same standards on Mercosur producers to which European producers are subject.
As expected, in the substantive debate, everyone remained on their positions: the left was opposed on social and environmental issues; the far right, for predominantly sovereignist reasons; the presidential coalition, while opposed to this agreement, insisted that it does not reject free trade in principle.
“We want to fight this battle with you!” »
But that wasn’t the issue of the day. On Tuesday, Michel Barnier wanted to count on the most unanimous vote possible from the National Assembly to give weight to the position of France, which had until then been rather isolated within the European Union. The two ministers did not hold back in this sense: “We want to fight this battle with you!” This is the central point of tonight’s vote.”launched the Minister of Agriculture. « Your constant mobilization has already left its mark and must continue vigorously. You are with us the main actors in this fight against your counterparts from all European countries and all sensitivities.”added the Minister of Foreign Trade.
The left remained very suspicious of a government whose sincerity it doubts. “I am not convinced that France will go so far as to block this agreement. Are you ready to assert your veto right in the European Council? »asked the president of the communist deputies André Chassaigne (Puy-de-Dôme). The socialist MP from Finistère Mélanie Thomin simply asked some rhetorical questions: “Are we just getting together to make up the numbers? Is this a true democratic coalition exercise against Mercosur or are we the guarantors of a government that needs a majority? »
What are the key concerns driving the opposition to the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement in France?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Trade Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good evening, and welcome. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Isabelle Fournier, a renowned expert in international trade relations. Dr. Fournier, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Isabelle Fournier (IF): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: The recent vote in the French National Assembly regarding the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur certainly made waves. The government declared its opposition to the current version of the treaty, but with a significant division among the parties. What are your thoughts on the government’s stance?
IF: It’s a complex situation. By declaring opposition, the government is acknowledging significant social and environmental concerns raised by various factions, particularly the left. However, their ambivalence—wherein the agricultural and trade ministers still seek mirror clauses—indicates that they are not entirely against the principles of free trade. They are looking to negotiate, which suggests a hope to find a middle ground.
TNE: So, it seems we have a situation where the government wants to ensure fair competition while balancing the protests against the current terms of the agreement. What are these mirror clauses you mentioned?
IF: Mirror clauses would require Mercosur countries to meet the same environmental and social standards that European producers must adhere to. This could help level the playing field and address some of the concerns about the potential negative impacts of this agreement on European agricultural sectors.
TNE: It does sound like a prudent approach. However, what are the implications of such divisions in the National Assembly? With La France insoumise opposing the government’s position, how does that affect France’s role within the EU?
IF: The divisions highlight the complexity of trade politics in France, and indeed within the EU. Michel Barnier’s push for a unanimous vote speaks to wanting to strengthen France’s negotiating position. However, lack of consensus could weaken their stance in EU discussions. If France is seen as divided, other member states may feel emboldened to push back against their requests for stricter regulations on Mercosur.
TNE: That is a delicate balance to maintain, especially with the highlighted social and environmental issues at stake. Given this current scenario, how might the negotiations with Mercosur evolve moving forward?
IF: It’s likely that negotiations will be prolonged. If the French government is serious about introducing mirror clauses, they will need to present a united front to persuade other EU member states to adopt similar approaches. Additionally, these negotiations will also be influenced by public opinion and civil society’s role in advocating for sustainable practices.
TNE: It sounds like there’s still quite a bit of work ahead. In your opinion, what should be the priority for French lawmakers as they navigate this complex issue?
IF: The priority should be to genuinely address the societal and environmental concerns that have been raised. This means engaging with various stakeholders, including farmers, environmental groups, and trade unions, to create an agreement that balances free trade with sustainable practices. Without this, they risk further social unrest and political divisiveness.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Fournier. Your insights shed light on a very complicated but important topic that lies at the intersection of trade, politics, and public welfare. It seems that the road ahead will require both negotiation and collaboration.
IF: Absolutely. Thank you for having me.
TNE: Thank you for joining us, and we will continue to follow this situation closely as it unfolds.