In a move drawing criticism from across the political spectrum Gregory Doucet, a known leftist member of France’s Green party, has claimed his decision benefits school meal services amidst ongoing coronavirus restrictions.
Eggs and fish are understood to still be on the menu at the city’s schools.
Speaking on behalf of the national government in response to the move, however, Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie has accused Doucet of risking the health of the children of Lyon, in a statement translated into English saying “Let’s stop putting ideology on our children’s plates,” adding “Let’s just give them what they need to grow well. Meat is part of it.”
French Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin was similarly unimpressed saying the move by the head of one of the most prominent cities in France was an “unacceptable insult” to the farmers and butchers of the nation and that “We can see that the moralising and elitist policy of the Greens excludes the popular classes. Many children often only get to eat meat at the school canteen.”
In an online poll by the leading French language daily, Le Figaro, the decision by Mr. Doucet was condemned by 84% of those responding, with just 16% backing his decision.
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