French Environment Minister Resigns After Law Allowing Bee-Harmful Pesticides Passes

French Environment Minister Monique Barbutová announced Wednesday she will resign after lawmakers approved a law permitting the re-use of pesticides harmful to bees. Barbutová stated that the government prevented any discussion on removing the measure, which she described as "another environmental failure." Previously, Barbutová led WWF France and served as the UN Convention to Combat Desertification's executive secretary. The agricultural law, passed by parliament on Tuesday, allows the French agency for health and safety, Anses, to conditionally authorize the use of acetamiprid and flupyradifurone. Proponents argue that French growers of sugar beets, apples, and hazelnuts need these insecticides to compete with European counterparts, as they are permitted within the European Union, though individual countries can restrict their use. Opponents, however, maintain these pesticides pose risks to bees and human health. Barbutová noted that France banned acetamiprid in 2016 based on scientific evidence, but studies continue to raise concerns about its effects. This vote followed the Constitutional Court's annulment of a similar provision last year due to health risks, after over two million people signed a petition against it.

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In contradiction to the duties entrusted to me, the government has prevented any discussion about the removal of this measure.