‘Exhausted’ Mercosur holds summit without Mire or major progress on economic affairs

2024-07-09 00:01:00

Javier Miley reduced price summit of common market of the south The presidents of the largest South American unified group gathered together. Amid recriminations and calls to block the deal, Argentina’s president was criticized by regional colleagues following refusing to participate and sending ministers Diana Mondino Participate in meetings of heads of state.

A key event for South America’s economic integration takes place in Asuncion this Monday, with high hopes of progress on issues that have irritated some leaders such as the opening up to China or a free trade agreement with the European Union. The situation was hindered by some partners from the Old World.

Attendees of this summit include: Luis Inacio Lula da Silva from Brazil, Louis Lacalle Pou from Uruguay, Luis Arce From Bolivia and hosts, santiago pena. The biggest absentee is Javier Mire, lLeader of the regional grouping Second Economy, he decided that Argentina’s representation would remain in the hands of Prime Minister Mondino.

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The Mercosur Heads of State Summit was held this Monday (July 8) in the absence of Javier Milei.

The president’s decision to travel to Brazil for a meeting of conservatives led by Jair Bolsonaro has been roundly questioned not only by those not affiliated with his ideology, such as Lula da Silva, but also received severe questioning from the president. But there is also Lacalle Pou in Uruguay or Peña in Paraguay, which are closer to Milei from an ideological level.

Lula da Silva says Milley’s decision is ‘a huge piece of nonsense’

“Is a nonsense Lula told the media in Asuncion that the president of an important country like Argentina would not attend Mercosur meetings. “It is important that the Argentine people participate in Mercosur,” he added.

Without mentioning Milley directly, the president of Latin America’s largest economy argued in his speech once morest “old nationalism and Ultra-liberal policies” He believes this has exacerbated inequality in the region. Lula stressed the importance of strengthening democracy and avoiding authoritarian shortcuts, making an implicit reference to Argentina’s internal policies under the Milley government.

Mercosur chief criticizes Milley’s mistakes

“Those who know Latin America recognize the value of the state as a promoter and planner of development,” said Lula, who also offered crucial nuances to policies that abolish state functions in the name of free markets.

The Uruguayan leader was referring to Milley, an ultra-liberal economist who is pursuing profound reforms in Argentina and who missed the meeting following exchanging smears with Lula, calling him a “lefty” and “self-centered” expansion”.

Mercosur Paraguay Summit Lula da Silva, President of Brazil.

Lacalle Pou: “All presidents should be here”

The Uruguayan president was one of the first to break the deadlock over Millay’s absence in Asunción. Louis Lacalle Pugh, He ended up being one of the most vocal critics of his decision.

“if he common market of the south English Very important, we should yes all presidents Lacalle Pou said he stressed the importance of leaders’ physical presence at such meetings, as they participate in working groups dealing with trade issues. His comments indirectly pointed to the ultra-liberal attitude and influence in national affairs. profound reforms.

Mercosur Paraguay Summit

Another founding president and host of Mercosur Santiago Pena, He also agreed with Lakal Pou’s diagnosis that the regional bloc lacked integration and was vulnerable to ideological differences.

Pena commented that the neighborhood suffered “integration fatigue“It made great progress in the 90s, but in the 2000s (…) ideological biases led to the disintegration of the bloc,” said the Paraguayan president. Still, he was hopeful regarding the future of the EU, “Mercosur is A commitment to the dignity of our nations enables us to dance to the rhythm of our melodies, our traditions and, above all, our dreams,” he added.

As far as the President of Bolivia is concerned, Luis Arce, During the summit, Bolivia officially joined the Southern Common Market, highlighting Bolivia’s role as a promoter of regional integration. Arce said he remains committed to building a more united and supportive South America despite the political and economic challenges facing the region.

Mercosur Paraguay Summit Santiago Pena, President of Paraguay and host of the summit.

Diana Mondino, Argentinian representative at the Mercosur Summit

Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino, who represented Mire at the summit, expressed regret at the inability to reach a final consensus among Mercosur state parties and associate members on the adoption of a joint statement. “We deeply regret that the state parties and partners were unable to reach a final consensus; our delegation invested long time and effort into this project,” Mondino said.

At the same time, the final declarations are a central part of these summits, as they define shared principles and resolutions that will guide action in the coming months. Shortly following mentioning the negative result, Mondino corrected: “Looks like we’ve reached an agreement“. “This is a pragmatic and really constructive approach and we are close to a consensus when most of the text is actually agreed. All of our voices must be heard,” he said.

At another point in his speech, Argentina’s diplomatic chief spoke of Differences between members Criticism of Millay’s absence is exemplified. “This is a forum for consultation, this is a forum where we all have to speak and express our opinions. And the value of this kind of meeting is precisely because we exchange views. This should not be an issue, it must be an issue.” Considered a healthy practice that benefits all members and is a sign of maturity.

Diana Mondino: “Mercosur is no longer a safety valve but a corset that immobilizes us”

However, he did not clarify what the disagreement included. “Again, we don’t have to agree, but we have to be able to listen to different opinions. I hope we can reach that maturity as a team. Nonetheless, the countries here face huge challenges at the international level, and we know that the world is shaken by wars, conflicts and situations,” he added.

lack of agreement

Diana Mondino at the Mercosur Summit Diana Mondino at the Mercosur Summit

The summit also comes as talks on a free trade agreement with the European Union have stalled, dragging on for more than two decades. Lula da Silva lamented that internal conflicts within the EU were preventing the agreement, while Lacalle Pou criticized the ideological influence that hindered Mercosur’s alliance with the EU, especially from France’s agricultural sector.

“I think ideology is damaging the alliance between Mercosur and the EU,” Lacalle Pou said of continuing difficulties in negotiations.

Mercosur was established in 1991 and, despite facing significant internal and external challenges, remains a key player in South America’s economic integration. Milley’s absence from the summit highlights the ideological and political tensions within the EU and the need to strengthen cooperation to overcome barriers and advance trade agreements that benefit all member states in a challenging international context.

CD/Digital

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