Macron seeks to stall Mercosur deal on visit to South America

RFI
·1-min read
“Mercosur = Shit for Sure,” reads the sign on a demonstration by French farmers opposed to the EU-Mercosur deal.

French President Emmanuel Macron begins a week-long visit to South America on Saturday, starting with the G20 summit in Brazil and continuing with stops in Argentina and Chile. Officially aimed at "relaunching cooperation" with the region, the trip also seeks to stall the unpopular Mercosur trade deal.

Macron will arrive in Argentina on Saturday to meet with his ultra-liberal counterpart, Javier Milei.

The French presidency said Macron will push for alignment on G20 priorities, including environmental and climate issues, at a time when the "international consensus” on these subjects is being called into question, particularly after the US election.

In Buenos Aires, Macron plans to deepen France’s partnership with Argentina in defence, energy transition and transport.

On Sunday, he will visit Santa Cruz Church to honour the 20 French citizens, including two nuns, who disappeared and were murdered during Argentina’s military dictatorship in the 1970s.

Stalling Mercosur

On Monday, the French president heads to Brazil for the two-day G20 summit, focusing on the fight against poverty, sustainable development and energy transition.

Presidents of Brazil, France announce green investment plan on Amazon visit

The French government has voiced strong opposition to the deal.

(with AFP)


Read more on RFI English

Read also:
Is France misguided to keep rejecting the EU-Mercosur trade deal?
French farmers plan fresh protests as Mercosur trade deal looms

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