Overview
- Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the state removes 24 chauffeurs with vehicles and 24 police protection posts from ex–prime ministers and former interior ministers.
- Matignon says 11 drivers and 11 officers are withdrawn from former prime ministers, and 13 of each from former interior ministers.
- A small minority will retain protection after individualized threat assessments, with reports naming Manuel Valls, Bernard Cazeneuve and Christophe Castaner among those still covered.
- Recent officeholders and declared presidential candidates, including Édouard Philippe, are exempt under timing and risk rules.
- The move follows a September decree limiting state cars and drivers for ex–prime ministers to ten years, and the government cites roughly €1.5 million in 2024 administrative costs plus an estimated €2.8–3 million annually for police protection.