The French Senate has voted to end lifetime benefits previously granted to former presidents and prime ministers.
The amendment, passed on January 22 and championed by centrist Senator Nathalie Goulet, came in response to France’s current financial difficulties and ongoing budget cuts.
The move, which is set to save €2.8 million annually in state expenses, was part of the 2025 draft finance bill, which defined government spending priorities.
Goulet defended her proposal, arguing that ex-prime ministers and presidents were not in dire need.
“They are not the most needy of the Republic, they all have a certain number of pensions and consultancy posts. I’ve checked, and no one is in the Restos du cœur – [a charity offering free food to homeless and poor people],” she said.
Following the vote, Goulet celebrated the decision on X: “The end of perks for presidents and former prime ministers has been voted through. Hop hop hop, savings have been made!”
Investors seem to be growing increasingly anxious over France’s financial situation after the yield on French 10-year sovereign yields reached its highest level since 2011. https://t.co/6ZhRjQWRaL
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The result came amid a possible move by the French Government to force employees in the public and private sectors to work an extra unpaid seven hours a year to finance social expenditure, particularly pensions.
As of the start of 2025, France has 16 former prime ministers eligible for these perks — unless they hold another public office, such as parliamentary or local government roles.
According to a recent report from l’Assemblée Nationale, the State’s spending on ex-prime ministers alone surged by 11 per cent between 2022 and 2023.
In 2023, France spent €1.42 million as against €1.28 million in 2022 on former prime ministers.
Since the report, the number of former PMs eligible for these perks has risen, with Elisabeth Borne, Gabriel Attal and Michel Barnier joining the list, pushing up costs.
Ex-prime ministers have been enjoying these benefits for more than 30 years.
That is the case for the Socialist Édith Cresson, who held office from May 1991 to April 1992, and soon for Édouard Balladur, who left the prime ministerial residence in May 1995.
Former presidents are entitled to:
- A staff of seven members and two service agents for a period of five years following the end of their term; and then reduced to three members and one service agent.
- Furnished and equipped office space, with rent, utilities and general expenses covered by the State.
- Coverage of reception expenses and travel costs for themselves and one collaborator in connection with activities related to their role as former heads of state.
- A vehicle and drivers provided by the Ministry of the Interior as part of the president’s protection arrangements
Regarding the proposal, centre-right Senator Jean-Pierre Grand argued that the amendment “opens up unhealthy debates and is demagoguery”.
There is no guarantee that the text will survive the next stages awaiting the 2025 budget, in particular its passage through the Joint Committee.
The Joint Committee on the 2025 Finance Bill will meet on January 30 in the French National Assembly. The government has stated it was opposed to the bill.
Moody’s has unexpectedly downgraded France’s rating, adding pressure on the country’s new prime minister to corral divided lawmakers into backing his efforts to rein in the public finances. https://t.co/yRzoA2IKz5
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