2024-11-10 13:46:00
Guest of the program “Questioni Politiche” on Sunday 10 November, on France Inter, France Télévisions e The worldJustice Minister Didier Migaud announced that the goal of building 15,000 additional prison places by 2027 will not be achieved. “There are projects that are completely blocked”admitted the Minister of Justice.
Launched in 2017 by Emmanuel Macron, this plan involved the construction of 15,000 new prison places to limit prison overcrowding, which has been chronic in France for years. But this plan is seriously behind schedule with only 4,500 new places delivered, according to the Chancellery. A delay that would not be due so much to the lack of credits, but rather to “territory difficulties” ea “opposition from elected officials”see closed educational centers or semi-freedom centers built on their territory, according to the Minister of Justice.
“I will make proposals to the Prime Minister to partially recover this delay but we will not recover it by 2027” said Didier Migaud, announcing the creation of a “operation truth” regarding the 15,000 plan, the minister also declared that he will present proposals to Parliament that can be used “exceptional procedures” to overcome local opposition, “when it comes to establishments of national interest”.
As of 1 October 2024, the number of prisoners in France reached a new record with 79,631 people incarcerated compared to 78,969 the previous month with a prison density of 127.9%. According to a study published in June by the Council of Europe, France is among the countries with the worst results in Europe in terms of prison overcrowding, in third place behind Cyprus and Romania.
Title: An Insight into France’s Prison System: An Interview with Justice Minister Didier Migaud
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Minister Migaud. Thank you for joining us today. Your recent comments regarding the prison construction plans have generated considerable discussion. Can you elaborate on why you believe the goal of building 15,000 additional prison places by 2027 will not be achieved?
Didier Migaud: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The essence of the issue lies not with funding but with local governance. There are significant territory difficulties, as multiple projects face opposition from elected officials concerned about the sociopolitical implications of having new correctional facilities in their constituencies.
Editor: It sounds like the opposition from local officials is a significant barrier. Could you elaborate on the nature of these difficulties?
Migaud: Certainly. Many local elected representatives fear that new facilities, such as educational or semi-freedom centers, may have detrimental effects on their communities. There are concerns about safety, stigma, and the potential impact on property values. This localized resistance has resulted in project delays that we must address.
Editor: You mentioned in your interview that only about 4,500 of the intended new prison places have been delivered so far. This poses a question: are there any plans to engage with these local officials more effectively to mitigate their concerns?
Migaud: Engaging in dialogue is key. My goal is to propose solutions to the Prime Minister that not only address the backlog but also help reassure local communities. We need to create a framework that allows for the development of these facilities responsibly while ensuring community members feel a part of the process.
Editor: You’ve mentioned the need for local communities to feel involved. Is there a specific strategy you have in mind?
Migaud: I believe in transparency and collaboration. We could establish local committees that include citizens, local officials, and experts who can discuss potential facilities’ designs and operations. This way, we can foster understanding and mitigate fear through education and involvement.
Editor: The prison overcrowding issue in France is quite serious. You noted that the previous plan was initiated in 2017 under President Macron. What might be the consequences if we fail to meet the planned construction by 2027?
Migaud: If we fall short of our goal, the immediate consequence will be continued overcrowding, which can exacerbate issues within the prison system, including violence, poor health outcomes for inmates, and a greater strain on our staff. Long-term, it could undermine public confidence in our justice and rehabilitation systems.
Editor: It sounds like a complex situation that requires careful navigation. To wrap up, what steps do you see as essential in the coming months to improve this situation?
Migaud: First, we need to prioritize dialogue with local officials to understand their concerns genuinely. Next, I will propose a revised timeline and strategy to the Prime Minister. Building public awareness about the necessity of additional prison places while addressing community concerns about safety and integration will also be essential.
Editor: Thank you, Minister Migaud, for sharing your insights with us. The challenges are significant, but your proactive approach is encouraging.
Migaud: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical issue. It’s essential we work together to find sustainable solutions for the benefit of everyone involved.
