French Environment Minister Barbut withdraws resignation after Macron intervention over pesticide ban

Published Jul 22, 11:56 AM UTC

French Environment Minister Monique Barbut initially resigned on Wednesday after the Senate introduced amendments to an agriculture bill allowing the use of controversial pesticides like acetamiprid, which she had been assured would be blocked. However, following a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron, she agreed to remain in her post, citing the urgent need to address climate change impacts and environmental health issues. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon praised Barbut's expertise. Barbut, 69, is the eighth environment minister since Macron took office in 2017. Her tasks will include leading France towards COP31 and an international plastics treaty agreement in early 2027.