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French Ecology Minister Monique Barbut resigns over pesticide law vote
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Monique Barbut, France's Minister of Ecological Transition, announced her intention to resign on July 22, 2026, following the final parliamentary adoption of an agricultural emergency law that includes a controversial measure to reintroduce two pesticides. Barbut stated that the government prevented debate on removing the measure, contrary to commitments made to her, calling the reversal 'the environmental setback too many.' She expressed feeling duped and saw no other option but to resign, though she left open the possibility of staying if her resignation is refused and depending on how the situation is handled. The resignation was to be submitted to President Emmanuel Macron before the Council of Ministers. The article highlights tensions within the government over environmental policy.
Source report
Monique Barbut, Emmanuel Macron's eighth Minister of Ecological Transition, was expected to submit her resignation to the President on Wednesday, July 22, ahead of the Council of Ministers meeting.
Speaking to a small group late Tuesday afternoon, Barbut said: "Today, in my head, I'm leaving tomorrow." Her decision came just after the Senate definitively adopted the agricultural emergency law, including its section on pesticides.
Feeling betrayed and visibly distressed, the minister stated she saw "no other option" but to step down. However, she left the door slightly open to remaining in government, adding: "If my resignation is accepted, I leave. If it is refused, it depends on what is said, and how it is said tomorrow."
Confirmation on LinkedIn
In a message posted Wednesday morning on LinkedIn, Barbut confirmed she "will present" her "resignation to the President of the Republic today."
"Contrary to the commitments made to me, the government prevented debate on the removal of this measure [the reintroduction of two pesticides], which was also desired by deputies," she explained. She described "this reversal" as "the environmental setback too many."
Read also: [Does the agricultural emergency law weaken Sébastien Lecornu's government? Ask your questions to our journalists]
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Source
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.Western
Part of this Story
French Ecology Minister Resigns Over Pesticide Reintroduction Bill