The French government under Sébastien Lecornu has imposed a moratorium on water policy decisions, favoring agro-industry interests. This affects the Vilaine basin's local water commission, which adopted a SAGE project in March 2025. State representatives must explain on March 13 before this body.
Water management is a core political exercise, requiring a solid moral philosophy to balance interests and anticipate essential needs. In a chronicle by Stéphane Foucart, a journalist at Le Monde's Planète service, the government has chosen particular interests over the common good, denial of democracy, and short-term navigation over planning. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has reportedly disregarded normal rule-of-law procedures.
Local water commissions, established by the law of January 3, 1992, handle water resources at the basin level. The Vilaine basin's commission, spanning 11,000 square kilometers and the largest with such a 'miniature water parliament,' includes local elected officials, state representatives, civil society members, and users from agriculture and industry. They debate to develop the water development and management plan (SAGE).
In 2022, the Vilaine commission initiated its next SAGE. After over three years of work and deliberations, it adopted a project in March 2025 with 39 votes in favor, 18 abstentions, and none against. The document features an unprecedented yet cautious provision: a ban on certain pesticides for corn near the most sensitive drinking water catchments, with financial support for affected operators. No representatives from agricultural chambers or farmers voted against, as the local setting of discussions fostered agreement despite the stakes.
