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Parliament rejects trade agreement

Thursday, 18 June 2026 06:30

In a surprise reversal, the parliament has rejected a major free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc of South American nations.

The deal had initially won broad support earlier in the day but was defeated in the final vote after left-wing, Green and farming representatives joined forces against it. 

Supporters said the agreement would have opened a market of 270 million consumers and cut customs duties for exporters. 

Opponents argued it would increase competition for farmers and failed to provide sufficient environmental and human rights safeguards.

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