People
from over 400 trade unions and social organizations took part in the
protest to demand that the Spanish Government block the free trade
deal.
Activists
filled the streets of Madrid on Saturday to protest the Comprehensive
Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada.
Hundreds
marched from Madrid’s largest railway station, Atocha, to the
Congress of Deputies – which is scheduled to vote on CETA later in
June.
People from
over 400 trade unions and social organizations took part in the
protest to demand that the Spanish Government block the free trade
deal. Some demonstrators displayed placards which read, “Democracy
and public services are not sold but defended,” and "Against
Europe of inequalities.”
While others
carried anti-CETA banners accompanied by tractors from farmers and
ranchers’ organization. There were even signs with: “Stop TTIP,”
referring to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership
between the EU and the U.S. TTIP, which has also been met with fierce
public criticism, bears some similarities to CETA.
Ecologists
in Action representative, Francesca Ricciardi, told Ruptly that CETA
was “All for the benefit of trade, but of course, to the
detriment of citizens' rights, we are talking about respect for
environmental standards, respect for trade union rights... basic
rights of the people."
Following
seven years of negotiations, the bloc voted in favor of CETA,
ignoring widespread protests across Europe.
The deal,
they say, is designed to “create new opportunities for EU
companies,” by reducing tariffs and increasing trade and
investment.
But, those
who oppose the deal believe it will upset the European environmental,
labor and consumer standards, resulting in increased unemployment.
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