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The
court said that the measure failed to protect the environment
and future generations. The rest of the law — known as the
“Duplomb law,” after the senator who proposed it — was allowed
to stand.
The bill, passed in early July, aimed to loosen rules for
farmers and fast-track projects like water storage. It was
backed by the government and major farming unions, but met
fierce opposition from scientists, health experts and green
groups.
At the heart of the outrage was acetamiprid, a pesticide banned
in France since 2018 for its role in harming bees and other
pollinators. Farmers, especially sugar beet growers, had pushed
for its return.
But the court ruled that the proposal wasn't strict enough, and
ignored France’s constitutional commitment to environmental
protection.
The backlash was swift and widespread. A student-led petition
against the law drew more than 2 million signatures — one of the
biggest in French history. Opponents said that the bill was
rushed through parliament with barely any debate, and warned
that it put public health and biodiversity at risk.
The ruling is a blow to President Emmanuel Macron’s government,
which had defended the bill until the end.
Critics called the decision a win for democracy and the planet.
Some lawmakers have already vowed to push for a full repeal in
the coming months.
Acetamiprid is currently approved by the European Union until
2033, and authorized in other member countries.
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