On Monday, April 28, 2025, France's Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced a controversial plan to reinstate incarceration costs for prisoners, a policy that had been suspended since 2003. Speaking on the evening news program "20 heures" on TF1, Darmanin emphasized that this initiative aims to improve the working conditions of prison officers and to address the soaring operational costs of the prison system, which amount to nearly four billion euros annually.
Darmanin's proposal involves having inmates contribute a "symbolic but important amount" towards their daily incarceration costs, which he estimates at 10 million euros per day. He stated, "The prisoners must contribute to the costs of incarceration... This seems to me a good measure." This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the prison system, which has faced scrutiny due to overcrowding and recent attacks on prison staff.
Following a series of mysterious attacks on prisons by a group known as "DDPF," which occurred just fifteen days prior to his announcement, Darmanin highlighted the urgent need for reform. He expressed satisfaction with a recent police operation that resulted in the arrest of twenty-five individuals linked to these incidents. "We have quickly apprehended authors and drug traffickers who have organized the intimidation of the state. I hope they will be heavily sanctioned," he declared.
In addition to the financial contributions from inmates, Darmanin also revealed plans to anonymize prison officers to protect them from potential threats. He stated that an amendment had been adopted in the Senate to ensure that the identities of the 44,000 prison guards would remain confidential in official documents. "We will anonymize their names and use their employee numbers instead. No longer will they or their families be identified or threatened," he assured.
This proposal to charge inmates for their incarceration has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public. While some view it as a necessary step to alleviate the financial burden on the state, others criticize it as punitive. Darmanin referenced practices in other European countries, such as Denmark and the Netherlands, where similar measures have been implemented successfully. He argued that such a system would not only generate funds but also promote a sense of responsibility among inmates.
Two legislative proposals have already been submitted to the National Assembly by deputies Éric Pauget and Christophe Naegelen, aiming to facilitate this initiative. According to the minister's office, the measure could potentially recover 80 million euros annually, enough to fund the construction of a new prison housing 250 inmates each year.
In his communication to prison staff, Darmanin expressed his commitment to improving their working conditions, stating, "This amount collected will go directly to improving your working conditions." He also promised to recruit more personnel and to respond to the demands of prison guards, particularly regarding their safety and security.
Despite the potential financial benefits, the plan raises ethical questions about the treatment of inmates. Critics argue that charging prisoners could further stigmatize them and undermine rehabilitation efforts. "We must ensure that while we manage costs, we do not compromise the dignity of those who are incarcerated," said one opposition lawmaker.
The proposal is set against the backdrop of a prison system that has been grappling with overcrowding and underfunding for years. According to a 2023 report by the Court of Auditors, the average cost of keeping a prisoner is 105 euros per day, which is below what it should be due to the pressures of overcrowding. The minister's announcement comes at a critical time when the government is under pressure to address these systemic issues.
As the discussion around this proposal unfolds, it remains to be seen how lawmakers will respond and whether the public will support such a significant shift in the approach to prison funding. Darmanin's initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for reform in the justice system, but it also highlights the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and humane treatment of inmates.
In summary, Gérald Darmanin's announcement to reinstate incarceration costs for prisoners represents a pivotal moment in France's approach to prison management. As the government seeks to address the financial challenges posed by the prison system, the implications of this policy will likely reverberate throughout the justice system and society at large. The coming weeks will be crucial as debates continue and lawmakers consider the potential impacts of such a significant change.
