Lecornu introduces drug tests for ministers and high officials

In response to a series of drug-related scandals shaking France's political class, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has introduced stringent measures, including mandatory, unannounced drug tests for ministers and high-ranking civil servants. This decisive action comes after a high-profile case involving Senator Joël Guerriau, who was convicted in January for drugging a colleague with Ecstasy in an attempt to sexually assault her. Guerriau, who received an 18-month prison sentence, claimed he had received the drug from an acquaintance to "cheer himself up" after his cat's death. The incident has fueled suspicions of drug circulation within the Senate and potentially other government bodies. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon stated, "We cannot mourn our drug victims and at the same time consume drugs ourselves on Saturday night," underscoring the government's stance. Lecornu's initiative is also informed by personal experience, as one of his agricultural advisors was dismissed after a drug-induced incident at a party. The move signifies a shift in France, where drug possession among politicians was long a taboo, often handled discreetly. However, since the 2022 parliamentary elections, such issues have become more public, with some politicians admitting to drug use. Lecornu emphasized the need for "no vulnerability" among those who hold sensitive information, justifying the new policy as essential for maintaining public trust and integrity within government.