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France Ends Lifetime Perks for Ex-PMs and Interior Ministers From Today

Freed staff shift to anti-narcotics as protection moves to a risk‑based, time‑limited model.

Overview

  • The policy took effect on January 1, removing 24 chauffeurs with vehicles and 24 security officers from former officeholders.
  • Matignon says the personnel will be redeployed to priority operations, notably the fight against narcotrafficking.
  • Protection for former leaders now follows set durations — three years for ex–prime ministers and two years for ex–interior ministers — subject to periodic review.
  • A September decree also capped cars with drivers for former prime ministers at ten years after leaving office.
  • Exceptions after security assessments include Manuel Valls, Bernard Cazeneuve and Christophe Castaner, and recent or high‑profile figures such as Bruno Retailleau and presidential candidate Édouard Philippe.