France Rejects Mercosur Trade Agreement

France's Senate has voted to reject the Mercosur free trade agreement, aligning with the National Assembly's earlier decision, amid ongoing protests from farmers who argue the deal will lead to unfair competition and harm the agriculture sector. The agreement, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, has been stalled since its initial agreement in 2019, with both houses of French parliament sending a strong message to other EU nations. Farmers have protested against the deal, citing concerns over regulatory constraints and the potential influx of cheaper South American agricultural products. Brazil's President Lula da Silva maintains that France does not have the final say on the agreement's approval, while France is collaborating with other EU countries sharing similar concerns, including Poland. As protests intensify, the future of the trade deal remains uncertain, with debates continuing in the EU regarding its implications for agriculture.