Élisabeth Borne Rejects Calls for Cuts to Former Ministers' Benefits
In a recent statement, Élisabeth Borne, the former Prime Minister of France, expressed her strong opposition to calls for reductions in the benefits received by former ministers, particularly those related to security and protection. This comes in the context of the French government's efforts to achieve significant savings for the 2025 budget, which aims to cut 60 billion euros in expenditures. Borne's remarks were made during an interview on France 3, where she emphasized the necessity of security measures for former leaders, especially given the controversial reforms she implemented during her tenure, including pension and immigration reforms.
Rising Costs and Proposed Reforms
As the government seeks to address rising expenses associated with former ministers, reports indicate that the costs for these benefits have increased significantly. In the past year, expenses for former Prime Ministers reached 1.42 million euros, marking an 11% rise from 2022. Borne highlighted that the police protection provided to former leaders is a critical component of their post-office benefits, which she believes should remain intact. The Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, has been tasked with reviewing these protections, which are estimated to cost around 23,000 euros per police officer, potentially saving 4 million euros annually if reformed.
Political Tensions and Future Implications
The disagreement between Borne and her successor, Michel Barnier, underscores the political tensions within the French government regarding budgetary constraints and the responsibilities of former officials. Barnier's call for former ministers to make sacrifices in light of the government's financial challenges has been met with resistance from Borne, who argues that the security needs of former leaders should not be compromised. As discussions continue, the outcome of these budgetary negotiations may have lasting implications for the benefits structure of former government officials in France.
