France’s environment minister, Monique Barbut, resigns in protest after French lawmakers adopt a controversial emergency measure that allows the temporary reintroduction of two pesticides previously banned. Multiple outlets report that the bill is tied to broader farm or emergency legislation and that it would permit the re-use of these products despite opposition from critics who say they harm bee populations.
The outlets describe Barbut as announcing her intention to resign to President Emmanuel Macron following the parliament’s final approval of the measure. RFI and other reports state that she quits specifically over the pesticide provisions and their potential impacts on bees, while Deutsche Welle adds that scientists and critics also raise concerns about effects on human health.
Deutsche Welle further reports that Macron does not accept Barbut’s resignation as reported, indicating the political dispute continues. Other sources focus on Barbut’s announcement and the parliamentary vote that triggered it, without additional details on the president’s response. All accounts agree the resignation follows the lawmakers’ decision and centers on the return of the two contested pesticides.
