A CSA poll for Europe 1, CNews, and Le Journal du Dimanche revealed this Wednesday that 83% of French people are in favor of prisoners contributing financially to the costs of their detention. This measure is supported by Gérald Darmanin, who wants to use it as a lever to improve conditions in prisons.
The Minister of Justice announced that he intends to amend the law to make this contribution mandatory. Today, France spends nearly €10 million per day on its prison system, or more than €4 billion per year. In a letter to prison guards, Gérald Darmanin specified that the funds raised would be reinvested in their working conditions.
Massive support, especially among older people and on the right
Support increases with age: 85% of those over 50 support the measure, compared to 78% of those under 35. On the political front, supporters of the Republicans (89%) and the National Rally (86%) are the most in favor. Even on the left, the measure is a consensus: 73% of Socialists, 68% of Insoumis, and 66% of Greens approve it.
This principle of "cost sharing" was already put forward in 2015 by Éric Ciotti. It is now back with massive popular support and a clear desire from the government to reestablish a form of individual responsibility within the penitentiary institution. The bill could be supported by Minister Darmanin via a proposal submitted by Christophe Naegelen, LIOT MP for Vosges.
