Expenses for the benefits of former Prime Ministers of France will be reduced to €1.2 million in 2026, reflecting a decrease of €500,000 compared to 2025. This change has been obtained through a parliamentary document and ends the growth of expenses since 2019.
Reasons for the Reduction in Expenses
The reduction in expenses has occurred for two main reasons. First, the deaths of Lionel Jospin in March and Édouard Balladur in August, which had costs associated with them amounting to €260,000 in 2025. Second, a decree issued by Sébastien Lecornu, which retroactively from January 1, revoked the use of cars and drivers for former Prime Ministers after ten years from the end of their term.
As a result, individuals such as Dominique de Villepin, François Fillon, Alain Juppé, Laurent Fabius, Jean-Marc Ayrault, and Édith Cresson will no longer benefit from these advantages. However, Édith Cresson has been able to exceptionally retain this benefit.
Consequences and Future Predictions
These reforms will help the French government save several hundred thousand euros. It is expected that expenses will remain stable until 2027. Marie-Christine Dalloz, a member of parliament, has noted that forecasts for 2027 indicate expenses will be close to those of 2026.
Former Prime Ministers are entitled to services such as a special office for ten years after their term ends. Additionally, in the past, benefits related to cars and drivers were permanent, which are now subject to limitations.
Dalloz also pointed out that there is no desire among the concerned individuals to reduce these benefits, and they fully utilize the allocated budgets. She intends to limit these two benefits to five years with the new reforms, expecting to save around €520,000 next year.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Attal, a former Prime Minister, despite the reduction in expenses, had costs for his car and driver exceeding €145,000 last year. Additionally, Élisabeth Borne, a former Prime Minister, incurred costs of about €26,450 in 2025.
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