The parliament acknowledges state responsibility in the chlordecone scandal and aims at compensating the victims

Paris – 06/02/2026: After decades of debates over the chlordane scandal, the French parliament officially approved on June 2, 2026, an important bill that for the first time recognizes the State’s responsibility for damages caused by the pesticide’s use. With 236 votes in favor and none against, the proposal was accepted and establishes compensation for victims as an explicit goal.

Chlordane, an insecticide used starting in the 1970s, was heavily applied until its ban in 1993 on banana plantations in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Although the health risks were already known, the State had not prevented its use, resulting in severe environmental and health damage. According to recent estimates, over 90% of the adult population of the islands is contaminated by chlordane.

The initiative was launched by the Socialist deputy Elie Califer from Guadeloupe, who presented the proposal to parliament. The bill includes recognition of the health, ecological, moral, and economic consequences for the affected communities and demands State responsibility for the damages.

Several victim associations and political representatives from the overseas territories welcomed the decision, while criticizing the lack of concreteness in compensation payments. Olivier Serva, deputy from the Liot party of Guadeloupe, called the 350 euros foreseen “almost an insult” and called for a thorough debate on adequate compensation and support measures for the victims.

Already in March 2025, the administrative court of Paris had confirmed State responsibility with a ruling. According to it, victims who prove moral harm – particularly in cases of proven anxiety or suffering – must be compensated. The government had acknowledged this decision but specified that especially people without work-related contact with chlordane are not yet entitled to compensation, while continuing to pursue payment.

The now-approved bill represents an important step in the legal and political management of the scandal, as it clearly identifies State responsibility and declares victim compensation a political objective. However, it remains to be seen which concrete financial and social measures will be adopted. Implementation and the definition of compensations will be a significant challenge for the government and parliament in the coming months.

The impacts of chlordane go well beyond health consequences. They also concern economic development, environmental remediation, and the public’s trust in public institutions. Experts call for comprehensive programs to support affected people and sustainable measures to prevent similar environmental disasters in the future.