French President declines to reinstate insecticide in newly passed law
In a significant move, France has reaffirmed its ban on the neonicotinoid pesticide Acetamiprid, following a ruling by the French Constitutional Council. The council struck down a provision of the "Duplomb law" that aimed to reintroduce the pesticide, citing concerns over its impact on bees, biodiversity, and human health [1][2][3][4].
Impact on Biodiversity:
Acetamiprid, a harmful neonicotinoid pesticide, poses risks to bees and pollinators, which are essential for biodiversity and ecosystem health. The ban in France reflects growing environmental concerns over these risks and the broader impact on pollinator populations, critical for agriculture and natural ecosystems [1][2][3]. A student-led petition against the reintroduction gathered over two million signatures, underscoring public concern about the pesticide's potential harm to biodiversity and environmental health [5].
Controversy Surrounding Reintroduction:
The "Duplomb law," passed in July 2025, sought to relax certain farming regulations, including a measure to allow acetamiprid's limited, regulated use under exceptional derogations, primarily to support competitive pressure on farmers [1][4]. This move sparked opposition from environmental groups, scientists, health experts, and a massive public petition, who argued that the law was rushed through without proper parliamentary debate and jeopardized public health and biodiversity [1][2][3][5].
Farmers' unions, notably the National Federation of Farmers’ Unions (FNSEA) and Young Farmers, supported the reintroduction, citing competition concerns with European farmers where acetamiprid remains legal until at least 2033 under EU rules [1][2][4]. However, the Constitutional Court sided with environmental and health protection over the interests of farming lobbies, emphasizing the pesticide’s health risks and its contravention of constitutional environmental protections [1][2][4].
Political Implications:
The controversy also reflects broader political tensions in France, including frustration with legislative gridlock, demands for more democratic engagement, and the challenges balancing agricultural competitiveness with environmental sustainability [2][3][5]. President Emmanuel Macron, although initially defending the law, accepted the ruling and signed the modified Duplomb law that maintains the ban [2][3]. The Health Minister called for a European reassessment of acetamiprid’s human health impact, suggesting ongoing scrutiny at the EU level [2][3].
Summary:
France's decision to uphold the ban on acetamiprid underscores its commitment to environmental protection, prioritizing bee health and biodiversity over agricultural interests. The Constitutional Council's ruling against the planned reintroduction of the pesticide highlights the need for careful consideration and public debate when making decisions that may impact public health and the environment. The controversy also serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate about balancing agricultural competitiveness with environmental sustainability, particularly within the EU [1][2][3][4][5].
[1] Le Monde (2025). Le Conseil Constitutionnel rejette la mesure autorisant l'utilisation d'Acetamipride. [Online] Available at: https://www.lemonde.fr/actualite-sciences/article/2025/07/15/le-conseil-constitutionnel-rejette-la-mesure-autorisant-l-utilisation-d-acetamipride_6081319_3232.html
[2] FranceInfo (2025). Le Conseil Constitutionnel rejette la mesure autorisant l'utilisation d'Acetamipride. [Online] Available at: https://www.francetvinfo.fr/france/politique/le-conseil-constitutionnel-rejette-la-mesure-autorisant-l-utilisation-d-acetamipride_3937881.html
[3] RFI (2025). Le Conseil Constitutionnel rejette la mesure autorisant l'utilisation d'Acetamipride. [Online] Available at: https://www.rfi.fr/fr/france/20250715-conseil-constitutionnel-rejette-mesure-autorisant-utilisation-acetamipride
[4] Le Figaro (2025). Le Conseil Constitutionnel rejette la mesure autorisant l'utilisation d'Acetamipride. [Online] Available at: https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualites-france/2025/07/15/01005-20250715ARTFIG00304-le-conseil-constitutionnel-rejette-la-mesure-autorisant-l-utilisation-d-acetamipride.php
[5] France24 (2025). Le Conseil Constitutionnel rejette la mesure autorisant l'utilisation d'Acetamipride. [Online] Available at: https://www.france24.com/fr/20250715-le-conseil-constitutionnel-rejette-la-mesure-autorisant-l-utilisation-d-acetamipride
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