More than one million people have signed a petition urging the French government to cancel a new law allowing the return of a pesticide known to harm bees and ecosystems.
The law, known as the “Duplomb law,” was adopted on July 8 but has not yet come into effect. It permits the use of acetamiprid, a chemical banned in France since 2018 due to its harmful effects on pollinators like bees. Despite the ban in France, acetamiprid remains legal in the European Union.
The petition, launched on July 10 by Eleonore Pattery, a 23-year-old master’s student, quickly gained widespread support. Backed by actors, environmental groups, and left-wing lawmakers, it attracted over 500,000 signatures in just 24 hours over the weekend.
Pattery described the new law as “a scientific, ethical, environmental and public health aberration,” warning that it threatens biodiversity, food security, and climate policies. Beekeepers have also criticized the pesticide, calling it “a bee killer.” French scientists have confirmed that acetamiprid disorients bees and is toxic to them. Its effects on human health are still unclear due to a lack of large-scale studies.
Supporters of the law argue that French farmers are facing too many restrictions and need acetamiprid to protect crops like beets and hazelnuts. They claim the pesticide will help reduce unfair competition from farmers in countries where such chemicals are still allowed.
On Sunday, National Assembly Speaker Yael Braun-Pivet said the government would not withdraw the law, as it is meant to “save a certain number of our farmers.” However, she said she would support a public debate on the petition.
Under French law, if a petition gathers 500,000 verified signatures, the National Assembly can choose to hold a public debate focused on the petition’s concerns. While this does not automatically lead to changes in legislation, the high level of public support could increase political pressure.
Some lawmakers, including Green Party leader Marine Tondelier, have called on President Emmanuel Macron to send the law back to parliament for further discussion. The president has the power to do so, but has not yet responded.
In late June, before the law passed, thousands of demonstrators—including farmers, scientists, and environmental groups—protested across France, asking the government to stop the bill.
