French government removes several ministerial staff after positive drug tests

Wednesday 22 July 2026 - 12:00

By: Sahili Aya

French government removes several ministerial staff after positive drug tests

Several members of French ministerial teams have been removed from their positions after testing positive for drug use, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said, defending the government's decision to introduce random screening procedures among cabinet staff.

In an interview with Paris Match, Lecornu said the measures were motivated not only by concerns over public accountability but also by issues related to security and potential vulnerabilities affecting state institutions. He argued that officials working in ministerial offices hold sensitive positions that require a high level of trust and responsibility.

The prime minister said drug use affects all sections of society and estimated that it concerns around one million people in France. He rejected what he described as a double standard between condemning drug-related violence in disadvantaged areas while ignoring consumption in wealthier communities.

The screening programme was introduced through a government circular issued on 16 June, instructing ministers to organize unexpected and mandatory saliva tests for members of their cabinets. The measure also applies to government ministers themselves.

According to the government, positive results may lead to disciplinary consequences depending on the circumstances. Officials have also warned that drug use among individuals occupying sensitive positions could create personal vulnerabilities that might potentially be exploited by pressure groups, criminal networks or foreign interference operations.

Lecornu stressed that the tests would continue and remain random. He suggested that future governments could expand the policy further as part of a broader approach to ensuring integrity within public institutions.

Despite the disciplinary measures, the prime minister's office has said that the identities of individuals who test positive will not be made public. Officials have emphasized that the initiative is intended as a security and responsibility measure rather than a public naming process.

The announcement has reignited debate in France over drug use among public officials and the role of screening policies in government institutions. Supporters argue that positions involving state responsibilities require strict standards of conduct, while critics question the balance between workplace oversight, privacy and individual rights.

The issue has also resurfaced following previous controversies involving elected officials and drug-related incidents, contributing to a wider national discussion about addiction, prevention and public health.