2024-10-31 18:57:00
In the end it will be more than expected. The Keeper of the Seals, Didier Migaud, announced on Thursday 31 October to the Agence France-Presse (AFP) that he had obtained an additional allocation of 250 million euros for his ministry as part of the 2025 budget project, partly returning to the cut of almost 500 million contained in the initial project of the executive.
The Minister of Justice welcomed this arbitration which, according to him, will allow it “honor and respect all commitments undertaken towards magistrates, clerks, legal assistants and prison staff” during the vote on the justice planning law in October 2023.
This law, promoted by former Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti, promised the hiring of 10,000 people in five years, including 1,500 judges, 1,800 clerks and 1,100 justice workers. Around 1,550 jobs are expected to be created in 2025, 1,000 more than forecast in the cap letter. After Michel Barnier’s announcement of the 2025 budget, the Justice Minister warned that he would not remain in government if the justice budget was not improved.
Launch of a “truth operation”
Didier Migaud added that some credits initially foreseen for the real estate program and in particular for the construction of new prison places will not be mobilized, specifying that the project of 18,000 additional prison places has not been abandoned but reprogrammed.
“We will launch a truth operation”explained the minister. “I note that a certain number of planned operations cannot be carried out and therefore will not require the mobilization of the envisaged credits and commitment authorisations. » Satisfied with the favorable arbitration from which his ministry benefited, Didier Migaud recalled this “The justice budget remains modest” and this must “become a priority again”.
The additional 250 million euros are a “reassuring news”estimated Kim Reuflet, president of the Union of Magistrates, underlining however that French justice remains one of the poorest in Europe. “This is excellent news for the continued modernization of the judicial institution, which the Magistrates’ Union welcomes”Ludovic Friat, president of this union, told AFP.
“When will we think in terms of needs rather than costs? »protested Wilfried Fonck, national secretary of Justice of UFAP-UNSA. “Once again political decisions are taken without worrying about the means available”he chastised.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Justice Expert on the State of France’s Justice Budget
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Camille Laurent, a renowned expert in justice policy. Dr. Laurent, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Camille Laurent: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recently, Justice Minister Didier Migaud announced an additional allocation of 250 million euros for the Justice Ministry as part of the 2025 budget project. This seems to signify a positive shift, especially after the earlier cuts. What’s your take on this budget development?
Dr. Laurent: Absolutely, it’s a crucial development. The additional funding is significant because it not only addresses the funding cuts but also aims to fulfill commitments to hire more judicial staff, which has been a longstanding issue. The promise of bringing in 10,000 personnel over five years is ambitious but necessary. The backlog in cases and the overwhelming workload on current judges and clerks can’t be ignored any longer.
Editor: Migaud has emphasized the importance of these hires for justice delivery. He claimed that around 1,550 jobs are set to be created next year, which exceeds initial forecasts. How do you see this impacting the justice system?
Dr. Laurent: The impact should be substantial. More personnel could translate to quicker case resolutions and alleviate the strain on the existing workforce. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about enhancing the quality of justice. Those additional judges, clerks, and staff can provide a faster turnaround for cases and ensure that the system is more responsive to the needs of the public.
Editor: He also mentioned that certain funds from the real estate program, particularly for new prison facilities, won’t be mobilized. Instead of abandoning the 18,000 additional prison places, they will be reprogrammed. What does that mean for the future of the justice system?
Dr. Laurent: It signals a shifting focus. While increasing prison capacity might seem essential, it also highlights an opportunity to rethink our approach to justice. By reallocating those funds, the government can explore alternative measures such as preventive justice initiatives, rehabilitation programs, or even community service options that can cut down the need for incarceration in the first place.
Editor: Migaud has pointed out that despite the increased budget, he still considers the justice budget modest and believes it should be prioritized. In your view, what should be the top priorities for the Justice Ministry?
Dr. Laurent: I think the priorities should include not only fulfilling staffing commitments but also investing in technology to streamline operations. Modernizing court processes can dramatically improve efficiency. Additionally, focusing on the training and well-being of staff is essential, as a supported workforce will be more effective in serving justice. Lastly, I believe an emphasis on restorative justice practices could greatly enhance societal outcomes.
Editor: This is all very insightful, Dr. Laurent. As we look ahead to 2025, what would you recommend that policymakers do to ensure that the justice system can meet future demands?
Dr. Laurent: Policymakers need to maintain an ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders in the justice system, from judges to support staff and the communities they serve. Regular assessments of the system’s needs and challenges should guide budget allocations and reform initiatives. A proactive and collaborative approach will be key to adapting to the evolving landscape of justice and ensuring all voices are heard.
Editor: Thank you for your valuable insights, Dr. Laurent. It seems clear that while progress is being made, there’s still much work to be done. We appreciate your expert perspective on these critical issues.
Dr. Laurent: Thank you for the engaging conversation! I look forward to seeing how these developments unfold.