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🇦🇹 Austria /Crime & Justice

France mandates surprise drug tests for government officials

From Der Standard · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has ordered surprise, mandatory drug tests for government officials using saliva tests.
  • The measure is part of a broader government plan to combat drug trafficking, encompassing around 50 measures.
  • An initial unannounced test was conducted at the Hôtel de Matignon, the prime minister's office, with officials reportedly testing negative.

In a surprising move aimed at combating drug use, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has mandated unannounced and compulsory drug tests for government officials. This initiative is part of a wider government strategy designed to tackle drug trafficking, which includes approximately 50 different measures.

The directive, detailed in a circular quoted by French media, specifies the use of saliva tests for these "surprise and mandatory mass screenings." The move reflects a growing political emphasis in France on adopting stricter controls and a tougher stance against illicit substances.

An initial unannounced drug test was reportedly carried out at the Hôtel de Matignon, the official residence and office of the Prime Minister. According to TF1, Prime Minister Lecornu and his staff participated in the test and were found to be clear of drugs.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Der Standard in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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