Sarah Knafo proposes reducing French civil service by 800,000

Sarah Knafo, a Member of the European Parliament and leader of the Reconquête party, has proposed reducing the French civil service by 800,000 positions to stabilize public finances. The proposal is detailed in her new book, ‘Le Casse du siècle’, published by Fayard.

Knafo intends to achieve this reduction over a five-year period through a policy of non-replacement for departing employees rather than through mass layoffs. The plan specifically excludes essential sectors such as teachers, healthcare workers, police, and military personnel.

In her book, Knafo argues that the public workforce has grown from 4.6 million in 1997 to 5.9 million today, a rise that outpaces the 15% population growth during the same period. She questions the efficiency of public services, suggesting that increased funding has not resulted in improved service quality.