French presidential hopefuls outline new sexual‑violence reforms after Lyhanna murder

The death of 11‑year‑old Lyhanna has sparked a national debate on sexual violence against minors in France. Presidential candidates for the 2027 election have presented a range of proposals aimed at strengthening the justice system and protecting victims.

Left‑wing candidates call for additional budgets and a cultural shift, with Jean‑Luc Mélenchon warning that “budget cuts feed crime.” Proposals include recalling retired magistrates, recruiting 3,000 new judges and clerks (Gabriel Attal), and creating specialized courts for gender‑based crimes.

Right‑wing figures such as Marine Le Pen, Jordan Bardella and Bruno Retailleau push tougher punishments, suggesting minimum sentences, life imprisonment for sexual offenders, expanding prison capacity and even chemical castration for repeat perpetrators.

Centrist leaders Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal propose eliminating the judge of sentence enforcement to ease magistrate workloads and introduce victim‑first measures: mandatory investigations within 48 hours, permanent legal aid desks, and prioritising children’s complaints.