Darmanin's Controversial Prison Plan

France's Justice Minister, Gérald Darmanin, recently ignited a firestorm of debate with his proposal to reinstate charges for prisoners' incarceration. This controversial plan, announced on April 28, 2025, aims to tackle France's crippling prison budget deficit and improve conditions for prison staff. But will it work, and is it fair?

The Proposal: A Symbolic Fee?

Darmanin's plan calls for inmates to contribute a "symbolic" daily fee towards the cost of their imprisonment. The daily cost of keeping a prisoner is estimated at €105, but the proposed inmate fee hasn't been specified. The Minister argues that this contribution, while small for each individual, could collectively generate significant funds – potentially €80 million annually, enough to build a new prison each year housing 250 inmates.

• This initiative is not unique to France. Darmanin points to similar successful programs in countries like Denmark and the Netherlands.
• Two legislative proposals are already in the National Assembly, aiming to speed up the process of implementing this policy.

Addressing Prison Violence and Security:

Darmanin's announcement came just fifteen days after a series of attacks on prisons by a group calling themselves "DDPF" (Droits des Prisonniers Francais - Rights of French Prisoners). The Minister highlighted the urgency of reform, announcing the arrest of 25 individuals connected to these incidents. The attacks involved arson, gunfire, and threats against prison staff.

• A major part of the plan involves anonymizing prison officers' identities in official documents, protecting them and their families from potential threats.
• The government is also expanding a program to seize drug users' phones in an effort to crack down on drug trafficking that fuels prison violence. This measure, currently being trialled in Bayonne, targets the use of encrypted messaging apps for drug deals.

Public and Political Reactions: A Heated Debate

The proposal has sparked fierce debate. While supporters see it as a necessary step to alleviate the financial strain on the state and potentially improve prison conditions, critics argue that it's unfairly punitive, could stigmatize inmates further, and hinder rehabilitation efforts. Opposition lawmakers express concern about compromising the dignity of incarcerated individuals while managing costs.

• The French prison system is notoriously overcrowded and underfunded. A 2023 report by the Court of Auditors highlighted the issues created by overcrowding, reducing the effectiveness of per-prisoner costs.
• Darmanin assures prison staff that the collected funds will be directly invested in improving their working conditions, including recruitment and enhanced security measures.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment?

Gérald Darmanin's proposal marks a crucial juncture in French prison management. It reflects a growing awareness of the need for systemic reform, but also exposes the complex ethical considerations surrounding cost-cutting measures within the justice system. The coming weeks will be pivotal as the debate continues in parliament, and the long-term impact of this policy remains to be seen.