The CETA Convention has been ratified by the Spanish Congress of Deputies

The Spanish Parliament has ratified the free trade agreement (CETA) between the European Union and Canada, with votes in favour of the PP, Ciudadanos, PDeCAT and EAJ. The PSOE has changed its position since the election of Secretary General Pedro Sánchez, who until recently has been in favor of the agreement, but has abstained in the vote of June 29, which was announced by law in the previous days. The other parties voted against it.

PP, Ciudadanos, EAJ eta PDeCATek bozkatu dute CETAren alde Diputatuen Kongresuan. (Arg.: Mexikoko Errepublikaren Presidentzia-CC By)

After the European Parliament has given the green light in February, all EU Member States will have to approve the CETA one by one in order for it to fully enter into force (the ratification of the Euro-Mediterranean Conference is sufficient for some parts to enter into force). In the case of Spain, there were no surprises and the favourable attitude towards the convention prevailed. The last step is to pass the Senate procedure, but even less surprise could be expected in this regard, since the PP has an absolute majority in the House.

The change in the PSOE’s position from yes to abstention has been discussed in recent days. The new socialist leadership argues that it sees many negative aspects in CETA, but will not vote no to make it clear that it is in favor of multilateral trade and properly regulated globalization. In any case, the PSOE’s refusal would not have been enough to stop the ratification of the Spanish Congress of Deputies.

Actions against CETA in the Basque Country

Opponents of the agreement accuse the PSOE of being brief. Specifically in the Basque Country, the TTIP of Gipuzkoa No! The group delivered a letter on Tuesday at the headquarters of the PNV and the PSE in San Sebastián, addressed to the representatives of these parties in Congress. In the version of the letter sent to the PSOE, they asked not to stop abstaining and to take one more step. Then they gathered at the door of the socialist building.

TTIP from Gipuzkoa No! members of the group, in front
of the PSE headquarters in San Sebastián. (According to Arg. : TTIP No!)

Among other things, the letters highlighted that CETA would allow large corporations to oppose the measure put in place by citizen and environmental protection organizations through the ICS courts. The agreement also refers to the intensification of market liberalisation, the reduction of certain rights and the loss of jobs.

On Friday, June 30, an anti-CETA rally will be held in Bilbao, in front of the Arriaga Theatre, at 7:00 p.m., convened by the Platform Contra TTIP-CETA and the Social Rights Charter of the Basque Country.