French President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated his opposition to allowing massive agricultural imports while simultaneously asking European farmers to adopt stricter practices. “I will say this simply, we cannot ask our farmers in Europe to change their practices, to not use certain products, and to develop quality farming, while at the same time open our markets to massive imports,” Macron stated.
The French leader is currently on a whirlwind tour of South America, making stops in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil, where Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is hosting a G20 summit on Monday and Tuesday.
Mercosur was anticipated to be a key focus of Macron’s visit, as France remains firmly against the EU’s potential mega trade deal with the South American bloc. The deal is expected to be finalized as soon as next month. Macron mentioned that Argentine presidential candidate Javier Milei had responded to his criticisms of the pact. “Milei said he was not satisfied with the deal and with the way Mercosur was functioning,” Macron noted, stressing that no agreement had been reached yet, as various parties were still pushing for improvements.
Even though there are ongoing protests from French farmers, it will be difficult for France to prevent the agreement, which has been under negotiation for more than two decades. As reported by POLITICO, the EU and Mercosur nations are working towards finalizing their discussions in early December.
Under increasing pressure from French agricultural unions, which are planning protests against the deal, Macron must demonstrate he is advocating for France’s farming sector. However, he expressed confidence that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is mindful of France’s concerns. “Ursula von der Leyen has great respect for France’s voice. We just want a fair deal, and we continue to work together,” Macron said.
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