France to End Lifetime Benefits for Former Government Members Starting 2026
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that lifetime benefits for certain former government members will be abolished starting January 1, 2026.
This measure aims to meet citizens’ expectations for transparency and put an end to what is seen as an unjustified exception: permanent benefits based on a temporary role.
The affected benefits include:
- Official cars with drivers.
- Private secretaries.
- Security protection, which will not be completely removed but will become time-limited, renewable only if a real threat is identified, particularly affecting former prime ministers and interior ministers.
Lecornu believes these reforms are necessary to set an example: “We cannot ask the French to make efforts if those at the head of the state do not do so.”
Financially, the current costs of these benefits are estimated at millions of euros annually. For instance, benefits related solely to former prime ministers were estimated at about €1.58 million for certain items, with the amount increasing significantly if security costs are added.
