French Court Blocks Banned Pesticide's Return in Farming Law

story

AUG 8

Above: A French gendarme in front of the Conseil Constitutionnel in Paris, on April 14, 2023. Image copyright: Ian Langsdon/Getty Images

story last updated AUG 8

The Spin

Left narrative

This ruling protects democracy and public health from a dangerous law rushed through parliament. The 2 million signature petition showed massive public opposition to reintroducing a bee-killing pesticide. The Constitutional Council correctly upheld France's environmental charter against corporate agricultural interests prioritizing profits over biodiversity.

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Right narrative

The court's decision represents government overreach that ignores farmers' economic realities. Sugar beet and hazelnut growers face unfair competition since acetamiprid remains legal across Europe until 2033. Without this pesticide, crops suffer severe disease losses while farmers struggle economically against European competitors who can use the same chemical.

Euractiv EuroNews