France to drug-test ministers and senior officials
France will require ministers and senior officials to take saliva drug tests. Lecornu's circular raises doubts about its effectiveness and possible…
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
France orders mandatory drug tests for ministers and senior officials
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has issued a circular establishing surprise drug tests for all members of the government and senior administration officials. The measure, announced on 17 June 2026, aims to "prevent drug use within the State" and will be enforced through saliva tests.
What does Lecornu's circular involve?
The circular applies to ministers, cabinet chiefs and other senior government decision-making posts. The official justification appeals to the "particular duty of exemplarity" expected of these positions. However, scepticism prevails: many point out that the measure is cosmetic and that the results will be easy to fake, as already peine with ELbichito certificates.
Reactions and doubts about its effectiveness
While some see the measure as a necessary step, others note that nothing similar would ever be introduced in Spain. Suspicion is widespread that politicians will keep using drugs but show up "clean" in the reports. The question also remains of whether the President of the Republic will take the tests. For now, the circular does not specify.
The French decision comes amid rumours of widespread cocaine use in European parliaments. But, as the most cynical point out, these tests may end up being just another rubber stamp: a photo for the press, and reality, somewhere else.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has issued a circular establishing surprise drug tests for all members of the government and senior administration officials. The measure, announced on 17 June 2026, aims to "prevent drug use within the State" and will be enforced through saliva tests.
What does Lecornu's circular involve?
The circular applies to ministers, cabinet chiefs and other senior government decision-making posts. The official justification appeals to the "particular duty of exemplarity" expected of these positions. However, scepticism prevails: many point out that the measure is cosmetic and that the results will be easy to fake, as already peine with ELbichito certificates.
Reactions and doubts about its effectiveness
While some see the measure as a necessary step, others note that nothing similar would ever be introduced in Spain. Suspicion is widespread that politicians will keep using drugs but show up "clean" in the reports. The question also remains of whether the President of the Republic will take the tests. For now, the circular does not specify.
The French decision comes amid rumours of widespread cocaine use in European parliaments. But, as the most cynical point out, these tests may end up being just another rubber stamp: a photo for the press, and reality, somewhere else.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (14 replies).
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