German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces mounting opposition within her government for her stance on the EU-US free-trade pact. German Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Sigmar Gabriel lashed out at German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her “wrong” stance on the TTIP, signaling a deepening rift within the government over the controversial accord.
Opinion polls show that people in the eurozone’s biggest economy are growing increasingly wary of the proposed pact despite Merkel’s continued support. Widespread protests were seen in Germany against the treaty, including during last month’s visit by Obama. Critics argued that the treaty would come at the expense of jobs, consumers and the environment.
All 28 EU member states and the European parliament will have to ratify TTIP before it comes into force. EU and US officials hoped to reach a deal in the second half of 2016, before Barack Obama leaves the White House next January.
At the meeting in Japan last week, leaders of the G7 nations — the US, Germany, Japan, Britain, Italy, France and Canada — expressed their support for a TTIP agreement this year, as long as the proposal is “ambitious, comprehensive, high standard and mutually beneficial.” The next round of TTIP talks is set to take place next month.
