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Chlordecone scandal: state responsibility recognized
Chlordecone scandal: state responsibility recognized
(France Info)
The National Assembly voted on a text on Thursday, February 29, recognizing the responsibility of the French State in the chlordecone scandal in the Antilles. This pesticide was authorized in the Antilles until 1993.
In the West Indies, the chlordecone health scandal has a culprit. The National Assembly voted, Thursday evening, February 29, at first reading, a text recognizing the responsibility of the French State in the use of this pesticide. The West Indian deputies, who carried the law, describe this vote as historic. “This recognition of this responsibility opens the door to reparations, but also opens the door to judicial work”assures Johnny Hajjar, deputy of the Martinican progressive party.
Banned in the United States since 1975
According to the text, France must aim to clean up land and compensate victims. For associations, the text does not go far enough. Banned in the United States since 1975, chlordecone, a pesticide used in banana plantations, was authorized in the West Indies until 1993. To come into force, the bill must still be voted on in the Senate.
