GSPR security unit faces internal crisis at the Élysée

The Groupe de sécurité de la présidence de la République (GSPR), the elite unit responsible for the daily protection of French President Emmanuel Macron and his family, is facing an unprecedented internal crisis. Seven agents recently alerted the Élysée's chief physician to a climate of fear, pressure, and psychosocial risks within the unit.

Reports indicate that more than fifteen other members considered taking similar action but refrained due to fear of retaliation. Agents have described a work environment characterized by constant apprehension, regular reprimands, and implicit threats regarding career advancement or removal from the unit for those deemed too critical of the leadership.

The tension follows the appointment of a new director in September 2025. Allegations include favoritism toward gendarmes over police officers, including disparities in promotions and training opportunities. The Alliance Police Nationale union has described the situation as “explosive,” noting that some officers were reportedly ordered to remove “Police” patches from their equipment under the new command.