Germany’s Social Democrats have finally given their backing to a trade deal between the EU and Canada.<br /><br /> The move paves the way for the bloc to approve the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement or CETA, before Brussels signs the accord with Ottawa next month.<br /><br /> The SPD are junior coalition partners in Angela Merkel’s government but had been holding up proceedings with objections.<br /><br /> CETA which aims to eliminate tariffs on 98 percent of goods has been criticised over riding roughshod over labour rights and environmental protection.<br /><br /> The deal is being seen as a blue print for a parallel trade deal with the US known as TTIP.<br /><br /> Around 180,000 people took part in rallies on Saturday in seven German cities against both trade deals.<br />
