Caretaker French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced Wednesday that ministers in his short-lived government will forfeit severance payouts, framing the move as a symbolic step toward fiscal responsibility amid France’s deepening political and economic challenges.
The decision comes as Lecornu’s administration – dissolved just hours after its formation on Sunday – became the shortest-lived government in modern French history. Ministers typically receive three months of severance pay, averaging €10,000 monthly, while prime ministers qualify for €14,000 monthly payouts. Lecornu emphasized the need for “rigor” during ongoing cross-party talks to resolve France’s governance crisis.
France’s budget deficit, the largest in the eurozone, has fueled political instability, with five prime ministers appointed in two years. Public frustration has grown over perceived government excess, prompting Lecornu to implement a 10-year limit on chauffeur services for former prime ministers last month. State records show former leaders cost taxpayers €1.58 million in 2023 through post-tenure perks.
Analysts suggest the severance pay cancellation reflects broader European pressures to balance austerity with public trust. While the immediate fiscal impact is limited, the gesture aims to signal accountability as France navigates contentious reforms ahead of critical EU economic negotiations.
