François de Rugy, a former French minister for Ecological Transition, has recently claimed that acétamipride, a type of pesticide known as a neonicotinoid, does not pose a threat to human health or bees. This statement contrasts with his earlier support for banning neonicotinoids in 2016, when he was a member of Parliament. At that time, France enacted a law banning these pesticides, which was applied to 98% of the country. However, acétamipride was recently reintroduced in France under a law passed in July 2026, and it is currently authorized in 26 of the 27 European Union member states. In an interview with journalist Tristan Waleckx for the program "Complément d'enquête," de Rugy explained that acétamipride belongs to a broader group of agricultural treatments, and its safety depends on how it is used. He compared it to common over-the-counter medications like Doliprane (paracetamol), which can be harmful if misused but are safe when taken as directed. He insisted that acétamipride is not dangerous when used correctly. However, regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and France’s ANSES have not found evidence that acétamipride is carcinogenic. While they do not consider it a major health risk, they have noted other possible concerns that warrant further study. These agencies emphasize the importance of following safety guidelines when using any pesticide. De Rugy admitted that his current position on acétamipride seems to contradict his earlier views as a deputy, where he was critical of those who downplayed the risks of pesticides. He maintained that his current claims about acétamipride are accurate when considering proper usage. However, the interview highlighted a difference between de Rugy’s statements and the findings of official regulatory bodies, raising questions about the reliability of his claims.