Monique Barbut to remain French Ecological Transition Minister

French Ecological Transition Minister Monique Barbut has confirmed her intention to remain in her position following a period of political turbulence. Although she initially announced her resignation in July to protest the adoption of an agricultural emergency law, Barbut decided to stay after receiving guarantees regarding her core policy priorities: climate change adaptation, forestry, and environmental health.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has tasked Barbut with submitting new measures by October to accelerate the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan. To fund these initiatives, Barbut is exploring the possibility of utilizing the Caisse des dépôts, which would involve using French citizens' savings.

Additionally, the Minister addressed the issue of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal found in the environment and food supply. She is advocating for a government decree to reduce cadmium levels in phosphate fertilizers, proposing a maximum standard of 20 mg/kg by 2030, a significantly more ambitious target than the 90 mg/kg currently allowed.