France’s ‘Duplomb’ Law: Petition Sparks Heated Debate in Parliament

The French National Assembly is set to debate a petition demanding the repeal of the controversial “Duplomb Law” on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The petition, launched in July 2025, garnered over 2.13 million signatures, a record for the National Assembly’s online platform.

The initiative originated with Éléonore Pattery, a 23-year-old student, just two days after the law’s final adoption. Pattery, described as a future environmental health professional, framed the legislation as a “scientific, ethical, environmental and public health aberration.”

The Duplomb Law, championed by conservative lawmaker Laurent Duplomb, aimed to ease regulatory burdens on French farmers, addressing concerns about bureaucracy, foreign competition, and environmental controls. However, it quickly sparked opposition from farmers, environmentalists, and health experts, particularly over a provision allowing the reintroduction of acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide banned in France since 2018.

The petition’s success—surpassing the required 500,000 signatures needed to trigger a parliamentary debate—highlights a growing trend of citizen engagement in the French legislative process. Since 2020, French citizens, both nationals and regular residents, have been able to submit and sign petitions directly on the National Assembly’s website.

While the law was approved by the National Assembly with 316 votes in favor and 223 against, concerns remained about its potential impact on public health, biodiversity, and the environment. The reintroduction of acetamiprid, in particular, drew criticism from beekeeping groups who labeled neonicotinoids “bee killers,” citing their detrimental effects on bee navigation, learning, and colony health. Studies have also shown the persistence of these insecticides in soil, harming beneficial insects.

In August 2025, the Constitutional Council, France’s highest court, intervened, striking down the provision allowing the reintroduction of acetamiprid. The court determined that neonicotinoids posed “risks to human health” and violated the constitutional right to live in a balanced and healthy environment. Despite this ruling, the main farmers’ union expressed disappointment with the decision.

President Emmanuel Macron subsequently signed the modified bill into law on August 12, 2025, rejecting calls for further parliamentary debate. However, the petition’s momentum led to Wednesday’s scheduled debate in the National Assembly, a symbolic but highly anticipated event. Commentators have suggested the petition’s success may reflect broader frustration with political deadlock and a desire for greater citizen participation in governance.

The debate comes seven months after the petition was initially submitted, underscoring the growing influence of online activism and direct democracy tools in France. While the ultimate impact of the petition remains uncertain, it has undoubtedly brought renewed attention to the issues surrounding agricultural regulation, environmental protection, and public health.