Switzerland Approves Mercosur Free Trade Deal with Half Billion in Agricultural Support

The Swiss parliament has approved the free trade deal with Mercosur countries. The agreement was approved by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, with 118 votes in favor and 66 against, along with 10 abstentions.

The left-wing Social Democrats and Greens voted against the deal, with a few dissenters from the right-wing Swiss People's Party. The government will have to provide CHF517 million in support for the Swiss agricultural sector over six years as part of the agreement.

The disagreement between the Senate and House of Representatives concerns the funds allocated to projects in the Amazon rainforest. While the Senate wants a commitment at least on par with current international aid, the House of Representatives proposed an additional CHF25 million Swiss francs available for such projects.