MPs in France have backed a controversial bill reintroducing two pesticides that critics say harm bees, prompting the country’s environment minister to resign.
“In my mind, I have no other option than to present my resignation,” Monique Barbut told aides on Tuesday night, adding she intended to submit it to President Emmanuel Macron by early Wednesday.
Proponents of the bill say French sugar beet, apple and hazelnut farmers need the insecticides – forbidden in France since 2018 and 2019 respectively – to compete with European counterparts.
The pesticides, acetamiprid and flupyradifurone, are allowed in the European Union.
Opponents argue they are dangerous to bees and human health.
