2024-11-16 04:01:00
French President Emmanuel Macron today begins a visit to Argentina, Brazil and Chile to restart cooperation with Latin America, under pressure from its agricultural sector to block a trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur.
The French president stressed on Thursday that “this is a Latin American moment” and detailed that Macron will visit Latin America for the second time in 2024, following his visit to Brazil in March, seeking to “restart cooperation” with the region.
Since taking power in 2017, Latin America has never been among the French leader’s priorities. There has been an increase.
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Gaspard Estrada, a political scientist in London, said: “The situation of the war in Ukraine and its consequences, geopolitical shifts, competition between China and the United States, and changes in global value chains have put Latin America at the center of world attention. .
For the Southern Hemisphere expert, the region can become a “key player” in key metals required for the energy transition, food as a “big exporter” of raw materials and the environment, with big countries like Germany already starting to get closer. In a sign of the new interest, Macron plans to deliver his vision for relations between the EU’s second-largest economy and Latin America in Chile’s parliament in Valparaiso next Thursday, his first speech in the region.
His visits to Argentina and Chile will also seek to boost trade relations and bilateral investment, particularly in key metals such as lithium or copper, defence, green hydrogen and transport.
France, however, opposes the trade deal currently being negotiated between the EU and Mercosur and was invited to take part in the visit. “This issue will be effectively resolved during the visit. The French authorities have made it clear many times that the agreement is unacceptable in its current form,” the president said. “
Attract Millais. The centre-right French leader, whose standing in France has been weakened since snap legislative elections in mid-2024, faces pressure from the agriculture sector, which organized strong protests in January.
Faced with the impending trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur, which the European Commission, negotiating on behalf of the 27 countries, appears determined to conclude this year, French farmers are preparing for a new mobilization starting on Monday. The protests will coincide with the Group of 20 summit scheduled for Monday and Tuesday in Brazil, where emerging leaders including China’s Xi Jinping, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and India’s Narendra Modi will Come together.
Macron will seek to attract Mire this weekend to join the “international consensus” on global challenges such as climate, ahead of the summit, after Argentina withdrew from the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku.
Sixty years after then-President and World War II hero Charles de Gaulle made his historic three-week visit to South America, his trip to Latin America will also be monumental. The president said that tomorrow he would commemorate the “twenty” French people who disappeared and were murdered during the first years of Argentina’s dictatorship (1976-1983), as their relatives said, but hinted that he would not talk about them with Milley, As they also demanded “non-interference in domestic politics”.
Macron will visit Chile on Wednesday and Thursday, where he will meet Chilean President Gabriel Boric, visit the former home of poet Pablo Neruda in Santiago and highlight the role of the church during the Chilean dictatorship (1973-1990). ) to protect the opposition.
Will the EU-Mercosur Agreement be signed in Montevideo?
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Brazilian diplomat Rubens Barbosa is one of the country’s greatest Mercosur experts. In addition to his duties as ambassador to London and the United States, he accompanied the negotiations from their inception and was responsible for the Itamaraty Group’s secretariat and other positions related to foreign trade. Based on his experience, he believes the “time is ripe” for the EU and Mercosur to finally sign an agreement at the EU’s planned summit in Montevideo in December.
For Barbosa, Trump’s arrival and his almost certain protectionist offensive, as well as a favorable environment among Mercosur leaders, are factors that determine his optimism.
“I think the agreement was signed not primarily for economic reasons but for geopolitical reasons. After Trump was elected, the EU and Brazil reached an agreement and it was very important to distance themselves from the United States and the BRICS. “I don’t want it to be in place now. It was signed at the G20 summit in Rio and I think it will be held in Montevideo,” Barbosa said, alluding to claims once made by President Lula da Silva.
The diplomat, who represented Brazil in Washington for many years, believes that “the bilateral relationship between the administration of Donald Trump and that of Lula da Silva will become more complicated. “The problem between Lula and Trump is Politically, the appointment of Marco Rubio to the State Department would create a very difficult situation. “
Therefore, in addition to the general tariffs threatened by Trump, it is also important for Mercosur to strengthen its exports to the European market.
Rubens Barbosa concluded: “Europe is also interested in Mercosur, but France’s protectionist stance on South American agricultural exports has so far hindered the agreement, but this obstacle must be overcome.”
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How might France’s stance on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement evolve following Macron’s discussions in Latin America?
**Interview with Gaspard Estrada, Political Scientist**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Gaspard. With President Macron’s visit to Latin America, what do you see as the significance of this trip?
**Gaspard Estrada:** Thank you for having me. Macron’s visit is quite significant, especially considering that Latin America has not been a priority for him since he took office. However, the geopolitical landscape is shifting, and issues such as the war in Ukraine, competition between major powers like China and the U.S., and emerging global value chains have brought renewed attention to Latin America.
**Editor:** Macron mentioned a “Latin American moment.” What does that mean in the context of global affairs?
**Gaspard Estrada:** It highlights Latin America’s potential as a key player on the global stage. The region is rich in essential metals needed for the energy transition and is also a major exporter of raw materials. Countries like Germany are already seeking closer ties, which reflects a broader recognition of Latin America’s strategic importance.
**Editor:** You mentioned Macron’s opposition to the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. Why is this such a contentious issue?
**Gaspard Estrada:** The agricultural sector in France has significant concerns regarding the potential influx of South American agricultural products, which they fear could undermine local farmers. The upcoming protests during the G20 summit in Brazil show that this is not just a French issue; it’s representative of broader anxieties regarding trade agreements that could affect domestic industries.
**Editor:** How do you think Macron’s trip will impact France’s relationship with Latin America moving forward?
**Gaspard Estrada:** Macron’s visit aims to rejuvenate cooperation and trade relations, particularly in sectors like green energy, defense, and transportation. His engagement with key leaders in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile could lead to increased investment and collaboration, setting the stage for a more proactive French presence in the region.
**Editor:** Lastly, what should we look out for during this trip?
**Gaspard Estrada:** Pay attention to Macron’s addresses, especially his speech in the Chilean parliament, as it will outline his vision for EU-Latin American relations. Also, watch for the discussions stemming from his meetings with regional leaders—these could redefine how France engages with Latin America amidst pressing global challenges like climate change and economic pressures.
**Editor:** Thank you, Gaspard, for providing your insights.
**Gaspard Estrada:** Thank you for the opportunity. It will be an interesting few days to watch!