France, Jan. 2 -- From 1 January, France's automatic "lifetime" state benefits - including official cars, drivers and permanent police protection - for former prime ministers and interior ministers have been discontinued, with 24 police officers and 24 drivers withdrawn from former office holders.

The move follows an announcement by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu in mid-September 2025 that such automatic benefits would be replaced by fixed-term arrangements.

Under the new rules, former prime ministers will retain a state-funded car and driver for 10 years, while police protection will be limited to three years.

Former interior ministers will receive protection for two years, after which security will only be maintained if a specific ...