Swiss Parliament's Lower House Votes Down Mercosur Trade Deal Over Concerns
Swiss Lawmakers Reject Mercosur Agreement
ZURICH, June 18 (Reuters) - Switzerland's lower house of parliament has rejected an agreement with the South American trade bloc Mercosur amid opposition from both the right and left of the political spectrum.
Next Steps for the Mercosur Deal
The deal now moves to the upper chamber of parliament and could return to the lower house if approved there.
Details of the Parliamentary Vote
Lawmakers late on Wednesday voted down the accord struck last year by a margin of 96 to 86, with nine abstentions.
Opposition from Multiple Political Sides
Resistance to the agreement came both from conservative lawmakers representing farmers' interests and from parties on the left that raised concerns encompassing issues such as labour practices and the destruction of the rain forest.
About Mercosur
Mercosur comprises Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Article Credits
(Writing by Dave Graham, Editing by Linda Pasquini)
