France’s environment minister, Monique Barbut, announces she will resign after French lawmakers approve an emergency measure that allows the temporary reintroduction of two pesticides previously banned. Multiple outlets report that the bill is designed to permit use of the products despite concerns raised by critics, including scientists and environmental advocates, who say the pesticides harm bee populations and may also pose risks to human health.
According to reports, Barbut submits her resignation in protest and frames her decision as a disagreement with the legislation. However, outlets including Deutsche Welle and France 24 say President Emmanuel Macron does not accept the resignation and instead keeps Barbut in her role. France 24 attributes the decision to an argument of urgency related to action on climate change, citing statements from Barbut’s team.
The measures are presented across coverage as part of a broader farm-related or emergency legislative process, with MPs backing the bill in parliament before the final outcome. While the resignation is widely reported, the extent of Barbut’s departure depends on whether Macron later changes his position.
