By: V4 Agency
The decision by leaders of a large provincial city to introduce meat-free menus in public schools has provoked a general outcry. Although the country’s farm and interior ministers have objected to the move, even the capital is considering to take a similar approach. Speaking about the issue, a renowned essayist pointed out that the presence of the Muslim population or eco-vegan ideology could be two potential factors behind such a choice.
Lyon’s Green leadership has decided to remove meat from the school canteens’ menu, arguing that eliminating meat from students’ diet is intended to facilitate a more efficient fight against the coronavirus. The move has provoked a series of heated public debates.
“Let’s stop putting ideology on our children’s plates,” Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie said, reacting to the decision. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the regulation is not only an “unacceptable insult” to French farmers and butchers, but it is also exclusionary for certain social groups as many children only get to eat meat at the school canteen.
Renowned French essayist Eric Zemmour has also weighed in on the issue, identifying two potential reasons behind the mayor’s decision to introduce a meat-free menu in schools. Muslim residents living in the area could be one reason, he said, while an eco-vegan ideology could be the other, he added, in a clear reference to Lyon’s Green leadership.
The story, however, did not end there. The capital is also considering the option of introducing no-meat menus in schools, Paris Deputy Mayor of Health Anne Souyris told BFMTV.
Ms Souyris, who is also a member of the EELV Green Party, called the disagreement over a meat-free diet a false debate, and defended her position by saying that during the first wave of the virus in the spring, Lyon’s previous mayor, Gérard Collomb, had made a similar move. She also cited the EGalim food law, which stipulates that meat-free food must be served to students once a week in schools.
Mr Collomb also joined the discourse, stressing that the current city leadership is applying a double standard: on the one hand it promotes meat-free meals, but on the other, it develops local supply chains which also sell meat products. Mr Collomb assured every farmer who staged a protest at Lyon’s City Hall against the decision of his full support.
After the much-disputed announcement, dozens of angry farmers have descended on Lyon to protest the mayor’s decison. Some drove through the city on tractors and agricultural machinery, while others have lined up along the main square at City Hall, creating a farm-like atmosphere.