You’ve probably spotted it in the Instagram story of an activist, colleague, or friend; perhaps you even signed it: right now, the petition against the controversial Duplomb law is making waves! Put forward on July 10th on the National Assembly’s platform after its parliamentary adoption (with 316 votes in favor and 223 against), it has already gathered over 1.7 million signatures, surpassing the required threshold of 500,000 signatures. But what is the real impact of this participatory tool on the legislative process? Let’s break it down!
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
A Recent Democratic Procedure
Adopted by the National Assembly amid strong protests, the Duplomb law quickly sparked a wide-ranging citizen mobilization, centered around a petition submitted online by Éléonore Pattery, a 23-year-old student. Since 2020, adult citizens of France, whether French nationals or regular residents, have had the opportunity to submit and sign petitions on the official website of the National Assembly. This procedure, outlined by the institution's regulations, aims to strengthen the democratic link and provide visibility to collective demands.
To be valid, a petition must include a clear title and purpose, and be written...Written in French and indicate the exact contact details of its author. When it reaches the threshold of 500,000 signatures spread across at least 30 departments or overseas communities, the Conference of Presidents of the Assembly can be called upon to decide on its inclusion in the agenda of the hemicycle.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Record number of signatures, uncertain effects
In practice, however, the effects of such a petition remain uncertain. At this stage, the Conference of Presidents, which will meet in the fall, can either decide to organize a public debate in session, complete with a parliamentary report, or simply archive the petition. If it were to be debated in a public session, it would be a first under the Fifth Republic.
Meanwhile, the Duplomb law, which has already been adopted, is moving forward in the legislative process: it is now awaiting promulgation by Emmanuel Macron, and is the subject of a challenge before the Constitutional Council, filed by left-wing deputies who denounce "attacks on the right to live in a balanced and health-respecting environment.” sp;». So, while citizen debate can enrich parliamentary discussions, it alone cannot shift the legal timeline.
See this post on Instagram
The Content of the Duplomb Law
Supported by 316 deputies mainly from Macron's party, The Republicans (LR), and the National Rally (RN), the Duplomb law has sparked an unprecedented backlash in the activist and scientific spheres, which have...e;several measures of the text. With the explicit goal of "lifting the constraints on the practice of farming," the law notably allows for the controlled reintroduction and exceptional use of acetamiprid, an insecticide from the neonicotinoid family. Banned since 2018 in France (but allowed in Europe until 2033), it helps to protect crops, but is classified as harmful to bees and human health. In its opinion of May 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa) mentions there are " major uncertainties " regarding the toxicity of acetamiprid on the human brain.
Another provision that has been highlighted: putting more pressure on the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Anses), mandated since 2015 to évaluer la dangerosité des pesticides. If the Duplomb law were to come into effect, the agency would need to consider “the agronomic, phytosanitary and environmental circumstances, including climatic conditions, prevailing in the national territory” as well as the “technical dead ends” weighing on farmers to ban pesticides. In other words, it would no longer be able to carry out its work in a totally independent manner. Opponents of the project also criticize the increased control of agents from the French Biodiversity Agency, now under the direct supervision of the prefect and the prosecutor, and the facilitation of the installation of megabasin facilities, now labeled as “of major public interest,” even though these hinder the storage of rainwater in aquifers.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram