**Introduction**
On the morning of July 22, a petition filed with the French National Assembly against the Duplomb Law had amassed approximately 1,654,235 signatures, setting a new record. Initiated by Éléonore Pattery, a 23-year-old master’s student in Quality, Safety, Environment, and Corporate Social Responsibility, the petition opposes the Duplomb Law, which was passed on July 9. Pattery describes the law as a « scientific, ethical, environmental, and health aberration. »
**Reintroduction of Acetamiprid**
The Duplomb Law permits the reintroduction of a neonicotinoid, acetamiprid, under strict regulation and for a limited time, despite its previous ban in France. The law also:
– Abolishes the separation between the advice and sale of phytosanitary products.
– Eases administrative procedures for farms and other facilities subject to ICPE (Installations Classified for Environmental Protection) regulations.
– Recognizes the major public interest of water storage projects in water-deficient areas, known as megabasins.
– Prohibits the production, storage, and circulation of active substances that have been refused or not renewed at the European level.
– Maintains the independence of the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), which was challenged in an earlier draft of the law.
**Constitutional Concerns**
According to Pattery, the law represents a direct attack on public health, biodiversity, climate policy coherence, food security, and common sense. It may also be unconstitutional, as the French Constitution states that « everyone has the right to live in a balanced and healthy environment. » Opposing deputies have already referred the matter to the Constitutional Council, arguing that the law violates several constitutional principles, particularly the right to a balanced and healthy environment.
**Call for Repeal**
Pattery demands the immediate repeal of the Duplomb Law, a democratic review of the conditions under which it was adopted, and citizen consultation with stakeholders in health, agriculture, ecology, and law.
**Senator Duplomb’s Response**
In response to the petition’s success, Senator Laurent Duplomb, the law’s author, remarked to France Info that « it doesn’t inspire much in me; it means the opposition is expressing itself. » He added that a debate would likely be organized in the National Assembly to reiterate discussions held over the past six months, noting that 70% of senators and 60% of deputies voted for the law.
**Upcoming Debate**
The National Assembly’s website notes that its petition platform allows citizens to submit and sign petitions. The Conference of Presidents of the National Assembly can decide to hold a public debate on a petition with at least 500,000 signatures from at least 30 departments or overseas territories. However, there is no mention of re-examining or repealing the law. The final possibility for the law not to be enacted is its non-promulgation by the President of the Republic.
**Appeal to the President**
The association Générations Futures has called on President Emmanuel Macron, urging him not to promulgate the Duplomb Law, which they argue contradicts precautionary principles and the promotion of sustainable agricultural models. National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet has expressed support for organizing a debate on the Duplomb Law in September, stating that before the debate in the chamber, there will be a committee debate, likely in the Economic Affairs Committee, where deputies can meet and discuss. A rapporteur will be appointed, and a debate in the chamber will follow, which is what the French people want.
**Conclusion**
The controversy surrounding the Duplomb Law highlights significant public concern and debate over environmental and health policies in France. As the situation develops, the outcome of the petition and subsequent debates will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents of the law.
🔗 **Fuente:** https://francais.medscape.com/s/voirarticle/3613140