French Government Faces No-Confidence Votes After EU Backs Mercosur Deal

France's government is fighting two no-confidence motions in parliament. The votes are a direct response to the European Union's decision to advance a major trade deal with South American nations. The EU gave its final approval to the Mercosur trade pact on January 9. This agreement aims to lower trade barriers between the EU and several South American countries. French farmers have protested for months, fearing the pact will flood the market with cheaper imports. Despite the French government leading opposition to the deal within the EU, far-right and left-wing political groups filed the motions. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu criticized the moves. He called them "cynical partisan posturing." The motions are unlikely to pass, as the government holds a minority in parliament. However, they highlight strong domestic political pressure over the controversial trade agreement.