Former French Prime Ministers no longer entitled to permanent benefits.
In a significant move to reduce public expenditure, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the abolition of lifelong benefits for former prime ministers on September 15, 2025. The decision, made following an interview on September 13, marks a shift in the country's political landscape.
Lecornu, who was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron on September 9, stated his preference for cooperation with the Socialists, ecologists, and Communists in parliament, rather than working with the National Rally (RN). Since his installation, he has made a series of policy announcements, including this decision that aims to demonstrate a commitment to shared sacrifice.
The move affects 17 former prime ministers who previously enjoyed perks at an annual cost of €1.5 million. Among these perks were a private secretary for 10 years, police protection estimated at €3 million, a car and a driver at taxpayer's expense, and various other resources made available for life.
However, the right to a private secretary and police protection will now be available for a limited period, and renewed based on actual risk. The cost of police protection will be significantly reduced, and the right to a car and a driver will no longer exist. All other resources will also be available for a limited period.
The decision may have limited financial impact on France's national budget, but carries significant symbolic weight. It is part of the government's larger goal to make €43.8 billion in savings to reduce the deficit by 2026.
Notably, France's former prime minister, François Bayrou, has insisted he will not keep any advantages related to his lost position. This decision to scrap lifelong privileges for former government members is a step towards transparency and accountability in French politics.
In a surprising turn of events, the government has also reversed the decision to scrap two public holidays, a controversial move by Lecornu's predecessor, François Bayrou. This decision underscores the new government's focus on maintaining traditional aspects of French culture and identity.
The abolition will take effect on January 1, 2026. As France grapples with a public debt of €3.5 trillion and a deficit of €142 billion as of July, equating to 5.6% of GDP for the year, such cost-cutting measures are crucial to the nation's financial stability.
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