Macron issues Duplomb law without reinstating acetamiprid, a point criticized by the Constitutional Council.
The Duplomb Law, a controversial piece of legislation aimed at loosening farming regulations and fast-tracking projects like water storage, has been the subject of widespread protests and intense debate in France. The law, which was partially struck down by the Constitutional Council on August 7, 2025, has sparked a heated discussion about balancing farmers' needs and ecological protection.
The Constitutional Council's ruling partially invalidated the law's provision allowing for the reintroduction of the banned pesticide acetamiprid. The Council deemed that the reintroduction of acetamiprid without sufficient regulation is contrary to the Environmental Charter's framework, as the pesticide poses risks to biodiversity, pollinators, water, soil quality, and human health.
Following the ruling, President Emmanuel Macron signed a modified version of the Duplomb Law on August 12, 2025, which upholds the ban on acetamiprid. This decision was made after a massive public backlash, including a student-led petition with over 2 million signatures opposing the pesticide’s return and criticizing the legislative process as rushed and lacking proper debate.
Despite the ruling, some lawmakers have promised to push for a full repeal of the contested parts or further changes in the coming months. Additionally, French Health Minister Yannick Neuder has called for a reassessment at the European level regarding acetamiprid’s health impact.
The Duplomb Law includes provisions that greatly anticipate some farmers regarding the expansion or construction of buildings for pig and poultry farming. It also contains measures for administrative simplifications in large-scale livestock farming and water storage structures for agricultural purposes. However, these measures must not allow for abstraction from inert aquifers and must be contestable before a judge.
The FNSEA, the largest farmers' union, has qualified the Constitutional Council's decision as "unacceptable". Laurent Duplomb, the LR senator who sponsored the Duplomb law, has not ruled out submitting a new text to reintroduce acetamiprid, taking into account the criteria set by the "Sages".
The ecological group in the Assembly has announced its intention to submit a bill proposal to repeal the Duplomb law entirely. The Duplomb law continues to face opposition, including from the scientific community and various political groups.
In summary, the Duplomb Law's pesticide clause was invalidated due to environmental and health concerns, prompting a modified law that keeps the ban, widespread public protest, and ongoing debate about balancing farmers’ needs and ecological protection in France. The future may hold further changes to the law as lawmakers and interest groups continue to push for their respective agendas.
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