Minister Calls for Scientific Debate on Controversial Duplomb Law Amid Public Backlash

In an ongoing debate over the Duplomb law, French Minister for Ecological Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher has urged for a discussion grounded in scientific evidence and rationality. The Duplomb law, adopted by Parliament on July 8, 2025, permits the conditional reintroduction of acetamiprid, a pesticide tied to health and environmental issues. This controversial legislation has sparked significant public opposition, reflected in a petition with over 2 million signatures against it.

During a recent interview on France Inter, Pannier-Runacher emphasized the necessity of consulting the Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire (Anses) to clarify the scientific risks associated with acetamiprid. She expressed concern over the exaggerated claims surrounding the pesticide, noting, "This law restricts very strongly the measure of reintroduction but this nuance, we do not hear anywhere." The Minister also categorically opposed the reintroduction of neonicotinoids, reiterating the need for a severe scientific and nuanced evaluation of pesticide policies.

The debate intensified after public reactions to the legislation intensified, marking a critical moment in France's agricultural and environmental policy landscape. Pannier-Runacher criticized alarmist narratives suggesting that reintroducing the pesticide would lead to a surge in cancer cases, calling such rhetoric "shameful."

This appeal to prioritize science in the discussion comes at a time when public trust in governmental health and safety regulations is paramount. The future of the Duplomb law and its implications for agriculture and public health remains uncertain as the public and various stakeholders seek clarity on the rationale behind the law’s provisions. The Minister's calls for a rational debate may set the stage for further discussions on pesticide use in France, following the significant backlash against the reintroduction of acetamiprid.