France Proposes Reintroducing Inmate Fees for Prison Stay
France’s Minister of Justice has put forward an initiative to require inmates to cover the cost of their incarceration. A corresponding bill is expected to be introduced to the National Assembly in the near future. According to the minister, this measure would not only ease the burden on the national budget but also improve working conditions for prison staff.
The idea of reinstating prison stay fees is not new. Until 2003, France operated under a fixed system that charged inmates a daily fee, similar to hospital service fees. Under that system, inmates paid a set amount for each day spent in a correctional facility. After the practice was abolished, all incarceration costs were absorbed by the state budget.
The minister noted that prison expenses in France amount to ten million euros per day, roughly totaling four billion euros annually. He emphasized that amid budgetary constraints and increasing pressure on the prison system, France can no longer ignore potential sources of cost compensation. In his view, implementing such a fee would be a fair and economically sound decision.
The proposed fee would be fixed, with the possibility of partial or full exemption for vulnerable individuals. However, the specific mechanism for calculating and collecting these fees has not yet been detailed. It also remains unclear how the proposal will align with France’s international obligations concerning human rights, including the right to humane conditions of detention.
The bill is being debated against the backdrop of ongoing criticism of France’s penitentiary system due to overcrowding. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Justice, as of March 1, French prisons housed 82,152 inmates, despite an official capacity of 62,539. This equates to an average occupancy rate of 131.7 percent—among the highest in Europe.
Overcrowding has led to deteriorating sanitary and living conditions, increased conflict, and greater pressure on prison staff. Human rights organizations have repeatedly stressed the urgency of reform, including infrastructure expansion, criminal justice policy reform, and the promotion of alternative sentences.
The justice minister’s proposal has sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers and civil society figures. Supporters argue that inmates—particularly those with income or assets—should share some financial responsibility for their stay. Critics contend that the measure will disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, exacerbate inequality, and hinder reintegration after release.
Some legal experts have warned that mandatory fees could be challenged in court if viewed as double punishment or as violating the principle of proportionality. There are also concerns about how fees would be applied to current inmates and whether adequate legal protections will be available for those unable to pay.
In the coming weeks, the proposal will be discussed in parliament. Several rounds of debate involving representatives of the judiciary, human rights organizations, and policy experts are expected before the end of the year. An impact assessment will also be conducted to evaluate the bill’s effect on penal system efficiency and recidivism rates.
The discussion of this bill comes amid a broader debate in France about reforming its criminal and penal systems. Measures under consideration include reducing pretrial detention periods, expanding parole programs, and constructing new prison facilities. The government has reiterated its commitment to the principles of legality, justice, and humane treatment, emphasizing that reforms must take into account the interests of all parties.
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