French petition against pesticide nears 1 million signatures amid political clashes

A citizen petition against the Duplomb law, which seeks to reintroduce the pesticide acetamiprid, has achieved a record-breaking milestone, exceeding one million signatures. The petition specifically targets the reintroduction of acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid pesticide.

Meanwhile, significant friction occurred at the National Assembly following the adoption of an agricultural emergency bill. Reports indicate a heated altercation between former Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne and current Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau on the sidelines of the parliamentary session.

Agricultural unions, with the exception of the Confédération paysanne, are defending the Duplomb law. They warn of potential repercussions, including a surge in food imports, should the government backtrack on measures intended to ease constraints on farmers.