France will vote against Mercosur trade deal, Macron says

President Emmanuel Macron said France will vote against signing the EU's Mercosur trade agreement; farmers blockaded roads and landmarks in Paris to protest the pact.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that France will vote against signing the European Union's trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc. The announcement came as farmers staged protests and blockades in and around Paris to oppose the pact. Farmers cited concerns about imports and broader pressures on the sector. Ireland has also said it will vote against the agreement while other EU members have expressed support. Key facts: - Macron announced France will vote against signing the Mercosur trade agreement despite commitments secured from the European Commission. - Farmers from unions including Coordination Rurale and FNSEA staged protests and blockades in and around Paris, citing fears about agricultural imports and other grievances. - Ireland also said it will vote against the accord, while Italy appears to support it, making approval at the EU signing likely. - French ministers said the government will continue to press for implementation of commitments and to oppose the deal in the European Parliament, which must also approve the agreement. Summary: The EU signing of the Mercosur agreement is scheduled for Friday and, with support from some member states, appears likely to be adopted at the signing. France and Ireland have declared they will vote against the accord, and France says it will continue to contest the agreement in the European Parliament, whose approval is required for the deal to enter into force.