French Petition Against Reintroduction of Banned Pesticide Surpasses One Million Signatures

July 20, 2025 — A surge of public outrage in France has led to the collection of over one million signatures against a controversial new law that would allow the reintroduction of a pesticide banned since 2018. The so-called “Duplomb law” permits the use of acetamiprid, a chemical known to be highly toxic to bees and other pollinators, sparking widespread concern over its environmental and health impacts.

The law, adopted on July 8 but not yet in effect, has ignited a fierce debate across the nation. The petition against it, launched by 23-year-old master’s student Eleonore Pattery, has drawn support from environmental advocates, actors, and several left-wing lawmakers. Within 24 hours of its launch on July 10, more than 500,000 signatures were collected, signaling the depth of public discontent.

“This law is a scientific, ethical, environmental, and public health aberration,” said Pattery, who describes herself as a future environmental health professional. She called the legislation a “frontal attack on public health, biodiversity, and common sense.”

Proponents of the law, however, argue that French farmers are already burdened by heavy regulations and that acetamiprid would provide a much-needed tool to combat pests in crops such as beet and hazelnuts. They claim it would help reduce the economic strain on farmers and improve competitiveness in the agricultural sector.

Acetamiprid, though banned in France since 2018, remains legal across the European Union. Scientists have confirmed its disorienting and toxic effects on bees, with beekeepers condemning it as a “bee killer.” While its impact on human health is still under study, the potential risks have raised alarm among public health experts.

The petition calls for the immediate repeal of the law and a “citizen-led consultation involving health, agricultural, environmental, and legal stakeholders.” If the petition reaches 500,000 verified signatures, French law mandates a public debate in the National Assembly, although the law itself cannot be overturned without further parliamentary action.

The French government has faced mounting pressure, with environmental organizations, scientists, and even some farmers protesting the law in recent weeks. Green Party leader Marine Tondelier has directly appealed to President Emmanuel Macron to reconsider the legislation, urging him to send the text back for further review.

As the debate continues, the growing public support for the petition may force lawmakers to reconsider the law’s implementation, even if its repeal remains uncertain. For now, the voices of millions of French citizens are echoing a clear message: the future of French agriculture and environmental policy must not come at the expense of public health and ecological balance.