French Deputy Sparks Outrage Over Israeli Company Criticism During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

French deputy Mathilde Panot has ignited a political firestorm by linking breast cancer awareness efforts to criticism of an Israeli company. In a video posted on October 9, Panot explained her refusal to wear the pink ribbon, stating, "we no longer want to get sick for the profits of multinationals to whom we have for too long given permits to kill." She specifically targeted Syngenta and its Israeli subsidiary, Adama, accusing them of spreading pesticides on Palestinian and Lebanese lands. Panot broadly criticized companies that she claims profit from selling "poison that makes you sick" and then selling the treatments for it, alleging "poisoners make double profit."

The mention of Israel drew sharp condemnation from other French politicians. Marine Le Pen, leader of the RN party, accused Panot of "obsession" and "increasingly assumed anti-Semitism." Minister Aurore Bergé questioned Panot's shame, while former Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau deemed her statement "indecent" and defended the pink ribbon's role in prevention.

This controversy is framed within a broader political divide in France. Since the start of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, Panot's party, La France Insoumise (LFI), has frequently criticized the Israeli government. Critics accuse LFI of making Israel a central focus of its communications, while the party asserts it is upholding international law and defending Palestinians. Opponents view Panot's remarks as another instance of this focus.