>

The French are and always have been two faces. They love protectionism at home and free markets for their goods.
A deal with between the EU and Mercosur has been on the table for so long but never quite seems to materialise. Though this is a good way for Lula to frame it, it would give Mercosur leverage versus the Chinese negotiating position (which is something that's in the EU's interest as well). >

The unanswered question is if it will get past French protectionism this time. >

Can you explain this further? Because I think I read that the French were not happy with the US Inflation Reduction Act because they considered it protectionist as well (and it'll hurt their economy). It seems a bit two-faced?