Which ex-Prime Minister has the priciest motorcade?
In 2024, the total cost of benefits for former French Prime Ministers reached 1.58 million euros, according to recent figures from the Prime Minister's services published in the Official Journal.
Amidst ongoing efforts to cut costs and save €40 billion in the next budget, the cost of benefits for former Prime Ministers has come under scrutiny, sparking questions about how much these privileges cost taxpayers.
Despite relinquishing their government positions, former Prime Ministers are entitled to various benefits such as travel, a car with a driver, and multiple collaborators. These post-term perks reportedly include significant secretarial fees and transportation expenses.
Deputy Matthieu Marchio of the National Rally has inquired about these expenses, seeking clarification from the Ministry of Economy in January. The expenses for 2024 have seen a substantial increase compared to the previous year, rising from 1.42 million euros in 2023. This increase of over 20% can be partially attributed to the addition of three former heads of government to the list—Elisabeth Borne, Gabriel Attal, and Michel Barnier.
Former Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin emerges as the top spender, with expenses amounting to €207,072, encompassing €198,805 on personnel costs and €8,267 for vehicle expenses. Following closely is Bernard Cazeneuve, with expenses totaling €198,290. Jean-Pierre Raffarin and Lionel Jospin also figure among the higher spenders.
Beyond criticizing these costs at a time when financial sacrifices are expected from citizens, Matignon has defended the small portion that these expenses represent in their services' overall budget. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that secretarial expenses are limited to a period of ten years and up to the age of 77, and that individuals with similar benefits from parliamentary mandates or public offices are not eligible to claim them.
The costs related to vehicles have also been justified due to security concerns faced by former heads of government.
When compared to Canada, which provides a lifetime allowance equating to up to two-thirds of a current Prime Minister’s salary, as well as an annual office budget on a case-by-case basis, France offers less transparency concerning the specific costs and rankings of expenses for former Prime Ministers. In sharp contrast to the high level of detail provided in Canada, France does not typically publish comprehensive reports on benefits afforded to its former Prime Ministers.
Regardless, the cost of benefits for former Prime Ministers stands at €1.58 million euros in 2024, leaving questions about whether these expenses are justifiable given the tightening budget constraints.
- The escalating cost of benefits for former French Prime Ministers, currently standing at €1.58 million euros in 2024, has sparked debates in the realm of policy-and-legislation, particularly within politics, considering the nation's financial constraints.
- As the cost of benefits for former Prime Ministers comes under scrutiny, a comparison with other nations like Canada, which offers a more transparent system with lifetime allowances and annual office budgets on a case-by-case basis, further highlights the need for insurance and legislation reforms in France.
