Ceta Ratification in Limbo: Government Delays Bill Submission Amid Political Tensions

In 2017, the provisional application of Ceta, a free trade treaty between the EU and Canada, was initiated. However, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Franck Riester announced that the draft ratification would not be transmitted to the National Assembly before the European elections. This decision was made after the Senate opposed the ratification of the treaty on March 21, causing embarrassment for the executive in the lead-up to the elections.

Following this rejection, communist deputies planned to include the text in their parliamentary time in May 30. However, it seemed like the government was delaying the transmission of the bill. According to Minister Riester, there would be no transmission until after European elections were held. He emphasized that this decision was necessary to allow for peaceful debate without opposition groups exploiting it for electoral gain.

Riester believed that Senator’s alliance between communist group and some LR senators was politically motivated and harmful to French businesses, farmers and exporters. He defended Ceta agreement and highlighted its benefits for France while distinguishing it from unfavorable trade agreements. If rejected by National Assembly, government faces a complex decision between notifying Brussels of non-ratification or risking backlash from opposition parties.

In summary: The draft ratification of Ceta has been in provisional application since 2017, but due to Senate opposition on March 21st it won’t be transmitted to National Assembly until after European elections held in May 30th. The government is taking necessary measures to ensure peaceful debate and prevent opposition groups from exploiting it for electoral gain.