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President Emmanuel Macron has announced his opposition to the EU-Mercosur agreement by accusing Jair Bolsonaro of lying about the climate. AFP Photos / POOL / Jacques Witt

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday (August 23rd) that his Brazilian counterpart Jair Bolsonaro " lied " about his commitment to the environment and announced Friday that under these conditions, France was opposed to the controversial free trade treaty between the European Union - Mercosur.

" Given the attitude of Brazil in recent weeks, the President of the Republic can not but note that President Bolsonaro lied to him at the Summit (G20, Ed) of Osaka, " said the Elysee, estimating that " President Bolsonaro has decided not to respect his climate commitments or to commit to biodiversity ". " In these circumstances, France opposes the Mercosur agreement as it stands ", continues the French presidency.

Threats also from Ireland

This Friday, August 23, Ireland also threatened to vote against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur if Brazil does not protect the Amazon rainforest in fierce fires. " There is no way for Ireland to vote for the free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur if Brazil does not respect its environmental commitments ," warned Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.

The announcement comes as wildfires spread rapidly in the Amazon, with diplomatic repercussions and mobilization of climate activists. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, known for his climate-skeptical stance, is particularly under pressure after suspecting NGOs of being responsible for forest fires.

►To listen also: Today the economy - Why the EU-Mercosur agreement unleashes its opponents

The free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay) was signed at the end of June, after twenty years of negotiations and immediately provoked an outcry , especially in the agricultural sector , particularly in France and Ireland.

( with AFP )