French Government Considers Cutting Police Protection for Former Ministers

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau proposes reforms to reduce state spending by limiting lifetime security privileges for ex-ministers.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier has tasked Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau with reforming police protection policies for former ministers to reduce government expenses.
The proposed changes target approximately 30 individuals, including former prime ministers and interior ministers, who currently receive lifetime security despite low or random threat levels.
The reforms could save the government an estimated €4 million annually and reassign around 70 police officers to other critical duties.
France is unique in offering such extensive security measures to former government officials, unlike other nations that limit these privileges to select roles.
The proposal is part of a broader effort by the Barnier government to streamline state spending and promote a more austere public budget.