French prisons break record with 89,446 inmates amid severe overcrowding

French prisons have reached a new record high with 89,446 inmates as of July 1, highlighting the nation's persistent problem of chronic overcrowding. This figure represents a significant increase of nearly 4,495 inmates, or 5.3%, compared to the same date last year. The situation is dire, with the number of operational prison places at 63,289, a mere 1.2% increase year-on-year.

The lack of beds has forced authorities to place 7,890 mattresses on the floor, a stark 35.4% rise from July 1, 2025. This overcrowding is particularly acute in "maisons d'arrêt" (remand centers), where the occupancy rate reached 174.5%. Overall, the global over-occupancy rate stood at 141.3% on July 1, prompting continuous warnings from prison staff and directors about a system on the verge of collapse.

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The construction of new establishments cannot be a relevant response: given the current rate of progression of overcrowding, it would be necessary to put a penitentiary center into service every six weeks.

International bodies have also raised concerns. In late January, the Council of Europe denounced the state of French prisons, warning in a report of a potential evolution towards an "human warehouse." They specifically pointed to issues of overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and violence.

Despite these warnings, a national strategy to curb overcrowding has been lacking. Dominique Simonnot, the Controller General of Places of Deprivation of Liberty, lamented the absence of "nationwide measures" in nearly three years. While the Justice Ministry plans to open 3,000 additional modular prison places, with half available by 2027, Simonnot cautioned that building new facilities alone is insufficient. She argued that to absorb the current rate of overcrowding, a new prison would need to open every six weeks. Simonnot also noted that alternative sentencing and measures to avoid incarceration remain underutilized or hampered by restrictive implementation conditions.

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The construction of new establishments cannot be a relevant response: given the current rate of progression of overcrowding, it would be necessary to put a penitentiary center into service every six weeks.