“We cannot ask the French to make efforts if those who are at the head of the State do not make it,” the new Prime Minister said this weekend in an interview with the regional press.
Sébastien Lecornu was quick to move from speech to acts. Two days after committing to delete the advantages “For life” Of which some former ministers benefit, the new Prime Minister has just made his promise to make. “It’s done”confirmed this Monday evening the Normand on the social network X, announcing that this change will be effective from the 1is January 2026. “If it is normal for the Republic to protect people who are the subject of threats, it is however not conceivable that they can benefit from life benefits due to temporary status”argues the successor of François Bayrou in Matignon less than a week after his appointment, confirming information from Parisian .
Only exception, a “Police protection“ granted to former primary prime ministers and ministers for “A limited duration, and renewed according to the reality of the risk”takes care to detail Sébastien Lecornu. Which pushes the nail: “All the other means made available to former Prime Ministers for life” (material means, driver, vehicle …) “Will now be for a limited period”, Prevents the elected official of the Eure, without however specifying how long these advantages will be maintained, nor their exact nature.
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In an interview granted this weekend at the Regional daily pressthe Prime Minister, in search of budgetary savings, had prepared the spirits for such update. “We cannot ask the French to make efforts if those who are at the head of the State do not. Reformation is not always “for others”, it creates suspicion “, had he estimated. As in an attempt to bring down the social temperature, a few days before the union mobilization day scheduled for September 18.
Old Arlesian of political life, the question of the advantages given to former members of the government had already been pointed out by Michel Barnier. A few days before his departure from Matignon, in November 2024, the ex-chief of Brexit had urged to “Improvements in the state lifestyle”, that he promised to return “More sober” et «plus simple». Irony of history, his successor François Bayrou had, in turn, put the trade on the book, by charging the ex-socialist deputy René Dosière at the end of August to identify and delete any industrial advantages that the political leaders would enjoy
Already supervised advantages
A second instruction from Sébastien Lecornu for the General Directorate of the National Police (DGPN) will therefore create “A frame” relating to “Police protection” Former prime ministers and interior ministers detailed Matignon. After The Parisianthe government also plans to review the decree of September 20, 2019, which supervises the privileges granted to former heads of government. Until now, the latter could, on request, benefit from“A company vehicle and a car driver”taken care of by the state.
Another possible advantage: a “Agent for their particular secretariat” For ten years from the end of their duties, and at the latest until they reach the age of 67. Note that these elements do not apply to former Matignon hosts when they already have privileges linked to a parliamentary mandate, a local function, or a public service.
The fact remains that, if the abolition of the life benefits of former prime ministers is mainly symbol – their cost (excluding police protection) amounted to 1.58 million euros in 2024, according to data provided by the Ministry of the Economy -, the measure may relaunch the debate among the first concerned. Sunday evening, Dominique de Villepin (from 2005 to 2007 in Matignon) estimated on M6 that it was “Fully normal for the Prime Ministers to give an example”calling for “Show justice” in the matter. Consent to which Élisabeth Borne (2022-2024) refused to subscribe a year ago, on the grounds that she was facing “Safety problems” In connection with unpopular reforms, especially that of pensions, which she had brought to Matignon.
