Pedro Sánchez Reacts to Ségolène Royal's Critique of "Inedible" Spanish Organic Tomatoes, Stirring Controversy in Spain
“Spanish
Prime Minister Addresses Controversy Surrounding Ségolène Royal's Criticism of
Organic Tomatoes”
Royal's comments, aired on BFMTV, sparked heated
discussions on Spanish television. According to her, Spanish organic products
fall short of French standards, a claim frequently echoed by French farmers
during their protests.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, responding to the
outcry, sarcastically suggested that Royal hadn't tasted Spanish tomatoes and
invited her to experience their quality firsthand. Royal appreciated the
invitation but emphasized the need for fair competition when health conditions
are unequal. She pointed out the suspension of the French ecophyto plan as
evidence of attempts to equalize.
The Spanish professional association for organic
production (Ecovalia) countered Royal's statements, deeming them unfounded and
emphasizing uniform rules across France and Spain. Spain's Minister of
Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, criticized the remarks as inappropriate,
especially coming from someone with governmental responsibilities.
The dispute, dubbed the "Tomato War" by
Spanish media, intensified tensions in Spain amid the ongoing protests by
French farmers. Accusing Spain of flooding the French market with low-cost,
heavily pesticide-treated products, the farmers targeted trucks from Spain,
particularly near the Boulou toll barrier.
Sanchez, discussing the matter with French President
Emmanuel Macron, emphasized the importance of respecting peaceful
demonstrations while condemning violent actions. He defended the quality of
Spanish agriculture, asserting that Spanish products face no competitive
advantage in the European internal market, as the same environmental rules
apply across EU countries.
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