Key facts
- Switzerland's lower house of parliament rejected a trade deal with Mercosur.
- The deal was opposed by both the right and left political factions.
- Concerns included farmers' interests, labor practices, and environmental destruction.
Switzerland's lower house of parliament has voted against a free trade agreement with the South American trade bloc Mercosur. The proposed deal faced significant opposition from across the political spectrum, drawing objections from both the right and the left. Key concerns raised during the parliamentary debate included the potential impact on Swiss farmers, the need to uphold labor practices, and worries about environmental destruction within Mercosur member states. The rejection signifies a setback for the proposed economic partnership.