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Bertrand Venteau faces trial for remarks against environmentalists
Bertrand Venteau, president of the French agricultural union Coordination rurale, appeared before the criminal court in Auch to face charges of public incitement to violence. The prosecution is seeking a suspended fine of 30,000 euros following remarks Venteau made during a union congress in November 2025, where he stated that environmentalists and proponents of degrowth want to kill farmers and that they must “faire la peau” (make skin/get rid of) them.
During the hearing, Venteau defended his comments as “purely political” and part of a “debate of ideas,” arguing they were made in a private setting. However, the prosecution and the court rejected this, noting that the speech was delivered before a large audience and captured on video. Environmental organizations France Nature Environnement and Génération Future have joined the proceedings as civil parties, citing a climate of intimidation.
The trial has highlighted deep divisions within the agricultural sector. While supporters of Venteau gathered outside the courthouse, environmental groups have condemned the rhetoric as hate speech. A verdict is expected on October 15.
Entities
Annie Genevard · Auch · Bertrand Venteau · Coordination rurale · France Nature Environnement · Génération Future
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The court is scheduled to deliver its decision on October 15. lesinguliersete.fr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The prosecutor characterized the remarks as 'hate speech'. lesinguliersete.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Coordination rurale claimed Venteau was targeting a political and ideological adversary rather than calling for physical violence. fr.news.yahoo.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The prosecutor requested a suspended fine of 30,000 euros. lesinguliersete.fr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The environmental organizations France Nature Environnement and Génération Future joined the legal proceedings as civil parties. lesinguliersete.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Venteau argued his comments were made within a private setting and were purely political.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Minister of Agriculture, Annie Genevard, condemned the remarks as deeply shocking and unacceptable. fr.news.yahoo.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Bertrand Venteau stated that environmentalists and proponents of degrowth want to kill farmers and that they must 'make skin' (attack) them. lesinguliersete.fr · fr.news.yahoo.com