Macron fights to save EU-Canada trade deal amid French opposition
- CETA has been provisionally in effect since 2017 but still requires ratification from national parliaments.
- French lawmakers, including new ministers, are largely opposed to the deal, complicating Macron's efforts to support it.
- The outcome of CETA's ratification in France could influence the country's future stance on trade agreements.
The EU-Canada trade deal, known as CETA, has faced significant opposition in France, particularly from lawmakers and new ministers within President Macron's government. Despite the deal's provisional implementation in 2017, it still requires ratification from national parliaments, and France's current political climate suggests a strong likelihood of rejection. With a parliamentary majority opposing CETA, Macron's ability to assure Canada of the deal's future is severely compromised. French exports to Canada have risen by 33% since the deal's inception, yet critics argue that Canadian agriculture has not benefited similarly. The political landscape has shifted, with protectionist sentiments gaining traction, making it difficult for Macron to defend the agreement. The potential rejection of CETA could have broader implications for France's stance on future trade agreements, as public support for such deals has dwindled significantly. Observers in Brussels are closely monitoring France's actions, as they may signal the country's approach to other ongoing trade negotiations.