French Prime Minister's Office Faces Suicide and Harassment Probe

Two civil servants in the Prime Minister’s office at Matignon have died by suicide, with several other staff members attempting to take their own lives in recent months. The Paris prosecutor’s office opened a preliminary investigation into possible moral harassment and endangerment of life, assigning the case to the Brigade de répression de la délinquance contre la personne.

Internal inquiries have also been launched by Matignon to examine working conditions and the psychosocial risks within the administration. The incidents have intensified scrutiny of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s leadership, following earlier reports of an overdose involving a senior agricultural adviser in the cabinet.

The investigations could lead to disciplinary, administrative or criminal consequences if serious misconduct is confirmed, raising questions about the management of France’s highest executive office.