French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has announced that several government employees, including personnel with access to sensitive information, have been dismissed after testing positive under a newly introduced drug screening program.
Several government employees in France have been removed from their positions as part of a nationwide drug testing initiative targeting public sector personnel. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated that employees found to have used illegal substances were dismissed from public service on security grounds.
In an interview with Paris Match magazine, Lecornu said the new screening system, which primarily targets personnel with access to critical state information, came into effect in June.
Personnel with Access to Sensitive Information Also Tested
Lecornu explained that the screening program applies not only to administrative staff but also to senior government officials and employees authorized to access sensitive government data.
He confirmed that personnel who tested positive in the drug screenings were dismissed, emphasizing that the measure is intended to safeguard the security and integrity of state institutions.
“The Government’s Credibility in the Fight Against Drugs Will Be Strengthened”
According to Lecornu, the new policy is designed not only to enhance internal security within public institutions but also to reinforce the government’s credibility in its fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
He warned that drug trafficking could become one of France’s most significant security challenges in the coming years, adding that organized crime networks would pose an even greater threat to the country if effective measures are not implemented.
Drug Trafficking Remains a Major Issue in France
In recent years, drug trafficking and related organized crime have become among the most pressing public security concerns in France, particularly in major cities. In response, the French government has intensified law enforcement operations while introducing stricter security standards across public institutions.