In a bold move aimed at leading by example, caretaker French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced that ministers from his short-lived cabinet will not receive the customary severance pay. Lecornu, whose government lasted only hours before he resigned, cited the need for strict budget discipline as Europe’s largest economy confronts its biggest deficit in years.
Under the existing rules, departing ministers qualify for three months of severance pay—nearly 10,000 euros per month—while a prime minister can claim almost 14,000 euros monthly. By waiving these payouts, Lecornu hopes to underscore the sacrifices needed to tackle France’s budget challenges.
"We cannot aim to make savings if we do not also set an example and act with rigor," Lecornu told reporters, pointing to other steps he’s taken, such as capping chauffeured car usage for former prime ministers at 10 years. Last year, perks for former premiers cost the state 1.58 million euros, including decade-long secretarial support.
France has seen four prime ministers in the past two years, each struggling to pass tough spending cuts and tax hikes amid fierce political resistance and public frustration. Lecornu’s symbolic gesture is designed to restore trust and show that even leaders must share in the sacrifices demanded of ordinary citizens.
As French politics remains in flux, young global citizens and entrepreneurs alike will be watching to see if such leadership by example can spark broader reforms and help stabilize the nation’s fiscal future.
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French PM scraps ministers' severance payouts in belt-tightening move
cgtn.com
