Starting January 1, 2026, former prime ministers and interior ministers will no longer receive lifetime vehicles with drivers, secretariats, or police protection. This measure, signed by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, limits these benefits to a restricted period amid budget constraints. Exceptions remain for security reasons.
January 1, 2026, ends lifetime privileges for former French prime ministers and interior ministers. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu signed the decree making it effective, deeming it «inconceivable» for these officials to receive permanent benefits for a «temporary status». As early as mid-September, he stated that «the Republic protects people subject to threats, [but] it is not conceivable for them to benefit from lifetime advantages».
These privileges included a service vehicle with driver, a secretariat, and police protection. Now, they are limited: only those who left office less than two years ago, or needing protection for security reasons, retain them. Exceptions include Manuel Valls and Bernard Cazeneuve due to their roles in the 2015 attacks, Christophe Castaner for the Yellow Vests crisis, and Édouard Philippe, a presidential candidate.
Seventeen former prime ministers, from Laurent Fabius to François Bayrou, and as many former interior ministers, like Pierre Joxe to Bruno Retailleau, are affected. In 2023, these benefits cost 1.423 million euros for former prime ministers (excluding security), or about 1.5 million euros annually in total.
The measure, symbolic yet cost-saving, enjoys broad consensus. Dominique de Villepin calls it «entirely normal» to set an example. However, Daniel Vaillant, 76, a former minister under Lionel Jospin, voices concerns: «I am 76 years old, I am not in good health [...] How do I manage, me?», questioning if it's a «political choice». Élisabeth Borne cites «security problems» tied to her reforms. Vaillant, who hasn't driven in 25 years, accepts: «I have never been for privileges. I remain a socialist.»
Amid tight budget constraints, this decision highlights the state's austerity efforts.
