Disagreement over pesticides: Minister for Ecological Transition Monique Barbut resigns

The Minister for Ecological Transition, Monique Barbut, announced on Wednesday that she would submit her resignation to the President of the Republic, disagreeing with the emergency agricultural law definitively adopted by Parliament. She is protesting against the reintroduction, on an exceptional basis, of two pesticides, acetamiprid and flupyradifurone, a measure she considers contrary to the precautionary principle.

A break on the issue of pesticides

In a message posted on LinkedIn before the Council of Ministers meeting, Monique Barbut asserts that the government prevented debate on the repeal of this provision, despite commitments made to it. According to her, this decision represents "one environmental setback too many." The law allows the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) to authorize, under certain conditions, the use of these two substances for specific agricultural sectors facing difficulties, notably sugar beets and hazelnuts.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu nevertheless assured that the minister retained "his full confidence," while reminding everyone that government members had to work within the compromises resulting from parliamentary work. He praised the career of this former WWF leader, noting that political life could be particularly demanding for someone from civil society.

Appointed to the government in October 2025, Monique Barbut is thus leaving her post less than a year after taking office. Her resignation now raises the question of her successor at the head of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and could reignite speculation about a possible government reshuffle.