Record-Breaking Petition Challenges French Farm Bill Over Bee-Harming Pesticide

A petition opposing a French bill that eases environmental regulations for farming, notably involving a controversial pesticide linked to bee harm, has amassed a record number of signatures, increasing pressure on the government. The student-led initiative challenges President Emmanuel Macron at a time when he's already facing fiscal constraints.

Gathering 1.3 million endorsements by Monday, the petition is unprecedented on the National Assembly's platform, having surpassed 500,000 signatures. Legally, such a milestone can trigger a parliamentary debate, although it does not mandate a new vote. National Assembly chairwoman Yael Braun-Pivet and ex-Prime Minister Gabriel Attal have endorsed the call for discussion.

The legislative proposal, backed by conservative Laurent Duplomb, seeks to reauthorize the pesticide acetamiprid, deemed risky by the EFSA to bees. It also aims to ease processes for livestock facility approvals and irrigation rules. Despite protests from farmers seeking competitive parity with EU peers, activists label the bill as environmentally and ethically flawed.

(With inputs from agencies.)